 The
Willow Tree Foundation
Home | FAQ | Facts | Stories | About Us | Contact Us | Giving
Facts
 Advances in
medical technology and treatment options are now able to sustain the lives
of many children who, as recently as 20 years ago, may not have survived.
Although the exact numbers of medically fragile children are unknown, the
refinement of medical care and the increasing viability of extremely
preterm and very low birth weight infants have led to dramatic increases
in the number of technology-dependent children.
Health Care Policy
for Medically Fragile Children, Journal of Pediatric Nursing [Article]
Despite the
level of skill and complexity involved in caring for medically fragile
children, recent social and political trends have resulted in the delivery
of home-based care, in which families are required to become the primary
medical caregivers for their children. Families are providing a level of
care in their homes that was previously done only in hospital or nursing
homes.
Health Care Policy for Medically Fragile Children, Journal of Pediatric
Nursing [Article]
Home Care for Medically
Fragile Children: Impact on Family Health and Well-Being, Journal Dev Behav
Pediatrics [Article]
It is
not uncommon to find high degrees of stress in caregivers of medically
fragile children, often resulting in depression, poor physical health, and
social isolation. Such consequences not only limit the ability of families
to care for their children effectively, but also inhibit further the
development of medically fragile children already at high risk for delays.
Health Care Policy for Medically Fragile Children, Journal of Pediatric
Nursing
[Article]
Increased
financial strain, extra care taking needs, uncertainty about the future,
social isolation, and fatigue are some of the hardships that have been
associated with caring for sick children that in turn causes distress for
parents and family.
Home Care for Medically Fragile Children: Impact on Family Health and
Well-Being, Journal Dev Behav Pediatrics [Article]
The
long-term care of a child with complex medical needs places strains on
many parents' marriage and on the other children in the family due to the
consuming nature of the child's care requirements.
Home Care for Ventilator-Assisted Children: Implications
for the Children, Their Families and Health Policy, Child Health Care [Article]
Recurring
stresses associated with caring for a medically fragile child do not
become less disruptive over time and the relentless pressure may lead to
general decompensation.
Stress in Families With Medically Fragile Children, Issues in
Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing [Article] |