The Inadequacy of Our Healthcare System
Commentary
We expect that a fire truck will arrive when our house is on fire. We expect that a policeman will respond if our house has been burglarized. We expect that an ambulance will show up if one of our children has a medical emergency. We expect that all our children have access to a free and appropriate education. We even expect our mail to be delivered each day in a timely fashion.
Why is it that we don't expect the United States government to provide us with medical insurance and basic health care?
This Month's Focus: The Inadequacy of Our Healthcare System
Working Together for Change: Addressing Nursing Reimbursement
by Michelle Detwiler
Why Are So Many Home Health Companies Incompetent? How Negligent Practices Impact Our Childrenby Michelle Detwiler
As an infant, our daughter
had been so ill that she spent more time in the hospital than she did
at home. Emily was born at 29 weeks gestation, while normal gestation
is 40 weeks. Arthrogryposis, an orthopedic medical condition, twisted
her legs up around her head and curved her body into a backward "C."
This curve in her back, along with the issues of prematurity, caused
her breathing and lung function to become severely compromised. By the
time most children are walking comfortably and feeding themselves, our
daughter could do little more than breathe and look around. At age two
she continued to need suctioning and airway support, and was now
labeled as medically fragile.
Like most families of children with medical issues, we require the use of Home Health Companies for my daughter's enteral, infusion, urological, and respiratory supplies. I have been shocked over the years by how terrible our former company was, and, like many other parents, wondered how they could get away with it. I'm still not sure I know why, but after switching to a different company, I am happy to say that it does not have to be this way.
Mismanagement of Care Leads to Heartache
by Shannon Gonsalves
In many of life's experiences, the saying "Hindsight is 20:20" is very true. However, you don't expect this to be true when it comes to the health care system or in the management of your child's care. Every day, parents place their trust in doctors, believing in their education and years of experience. When undertreatment of a sick child occurs, it can be as dangerous as overtreating a healthy child.
Specialty Article
Other Specialties
Normal Vital Signs in Children: Heart Rate, Respirations, Temperature, and Blood Pressure
It is very common for parents to wonder if their children's vitals signs are normal for their ages or sizes. This is particularly true for children with medical challenges who need closer monitoring. "Normal," of course, does not truly exist, but the following guidelines can give you a general idea of what is typically considered acceptable.
Normal Vital Signs in Children: Heart Rate, Respirations, Temperature, and Blood Pressure
It is very common for parents to wonder if their children's vitals signs are normal for their ages or sizes. This is particularly true for children with medical challenges who need closer monitoring. "Normal," of course, does not truly exist, but the following guidelines can give you a general idea of what is typically considered acceptable.
Feature
Are Caregivers Happy?
There is no denying that parenting a child with special needs, a disability, or complex medical issues is difficult. The time required in and of itself can be overwhelming and stressful, not even mentioning the sleep deprivation that often comes with parenting special kids. Add to that dealing with insurance companies, special education, doctors, therapists, and confronting difficult medical decisions on a frequent basis, and it seems that our lives as caregivers are tremendously complicated.