Exceptional Parents
You want the best care possible for your child, and so do we. If your child needs transitional, long term, or palliative care, our organization is here to to care for their specific medical & technology needs and to provide them with as normal a childhood as possible. Every child deserves a childhood.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
For the health and safety of our residents and employees, Volunteers are currently restricted from visiting Exceptional Care for Children. In lieu of interacting directly with our residents here at ECC, we are currently offering Virtual Volunteer opportunities.
For an updated list of Virtual Volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Emily Holcombe.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Admission Process
Our Assessment Team acts as a liaison between ECC, families and outside agencies, ensuring that there is an open line of communication and that the child’s needs are being met holistically.
Step 1) Referral
A referral is made through telephone or fax by a parent, guardian, or medical professional. Once the referral is received, our Assessment team will contact the referral source to coordinate a visit.
Step 2) Assessment
Our Assessment Team will visit the child at home or where they are being cared for to complete a full medical assessment and gather necessary information including:
- Diagnosis List
- Medication List
- Child’s Likes and Dislikes
- Education Information
- Current Medical Status and Plan of Care
- Parent/Guardian’s Expectation of Admission
Step 3) Evaluation
Our Admissions Committee then meets to review the pre-admission information and will determine if the child meets the skilled criteria to be admitted:
- Gastrostomy
- Tracheostomy
- Ventilator
- In addition, the child must not require one-on-one care as we have to ensure the safety and care for our other children. If a child is 18 years or older, there must be a defined discharge plan in place for transition into adult services at the age of 21.
After Admission
Family Meetings
These are meetings that are held at least quarterly to review the current care plan of each child. It provides an opportunity for the social services, nursing, and therapy teams to collaborate with families on care, therapeutic goals, and discharge.
Psycho-Social-Emotional Support
We recognize that having a child with complex medical needs can be demanding. We are happy to provide additional support and recommendations for community assistance programs to help connect individuals and families with beneficial resources.
Outside Agencies
Social Services will make appropriate referrals inclusive of early intervention education, deaf/blind services, and disabilities services.
Discharge Planning
If a transition to home is possible, the social worker will coordinate with the Staff and Family Educator to initiate family training, set up home care nursing, schedule medical equipment delivery, transition medical services, and complete a home assessment. Following these steps, a discharge date will be chosen and the transition home will take place!