Complex respiratory conditions
Complex respiratory care at home in Atlanta, for children on oxygen, BiPAP and daily breathing treatments.
Children with complex breathing needs, such as oxygen, BiPAP, cough assist or frequent treatments, can get skilled nursing at home through GAPP when a doctor orders it. A trach isn’t required.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
What respiratory care at home can include
- Oxygen set-up and monitoring as ordered.
- BiPAP or CPAP, often overnight.
- Cough assist and airway clearance routines.
- Nebulizer and inhaled treatments on schedule.
- Suctioning of the mouth and nose.
- Watching breathing and oxygen levels and following the plan when they change.
Why it matters at night
Breathing needs don’t stop at bedtime, and many parents of children on BiPAP haven’t slept through the night in months. Nursing hours used overnight are often what make it possible to keep going.
Who this is, and isn’t, a fit for
- Often a fit
Children with conditions like spinal muscular atrophy or muscular dystrophy, chronic lung disease, or airway differences who need skilled breathing care every day.
- Usually not a fit
Asthma that is well controlled with an inhaler and doesn’t need daily skilled care.
Have this ready for the first call
- Your child’s age, diagnosis and Medicaid status (or that you’re applying).
- The name and phone number of the doctor who manages your child’s care.
- A rough picture of a normal day and a hard day.
- A list of your child’s breathing equipment and how often each is used.
Questions to ask any agency
- Who supervises the nurses on my child’s case, and how do I reach them?
- What happens if a nurse calls out? Will you tell me before the shift?
- How do you train nurses on my child’s specific equipment and orders?
- Can I meet or talk with a nurse before the first shift?
Respiratory care questions
Can a nurse come to the house for a child on oxygen?
Yes, when a doctor orders home nursing and GAPP approves it. Oxygen alone doesn’t always qualify; the full picture of your child’s daily skilled needs matters.
Does my child need a trach to get home nursing for breathing problems?
No. Children on oxygen, BiPAP, cough assist or frequent breathing treatments can also need skilled nursing. The doctor’s order and GAPP’s review decide.
Can the nurse give breathing treatments at night so I can sleep?
Overnight shifts are common for children with breathing needs. Ask us how your approved hours can be scheduled.
Related care and help
- Trach and ventilator care at home
Airway, suctioning and ventilator support on shift.
- Pediatric RN home care
Registered nurses for assessments, care plans and the most complex shifts.
- Pediatric LPN home care
Licensed practical nurses for most scheduled skilled nursing shifts.
- Pediatric home nursing (RN and LPN)
Skilled nursing shifts at home, covered by GAPP.
- Conditions we care for
SMA, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brain injury and more.
- GAPP application help
We prepare and submit the GAPP paperwork with you.
- One Day of Care checklist
List everything you do in a day before the doctor visit.
Ask about respiratory nursing for your child.
(404) 905-7699 Call (404) 905-7699- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Closed Sat–Sun.
- Toll free
- (877) 891-5222
- Fax
- (404) 891-6466
- Office
- Ava Family Services, LLC
275 Interstate North Cir SE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339