Infant in LTC facility

Trauma Columnist · Oct 4, 2009

I've worked in nursing homes for infants/kids/adolescents. Usually vent dependent, trach/g-tube and lots of "stuff."

I would be concerned if you only had one infant though because of equipment needs.

eldragon · Oct 4, 2009

I hope the baby has involved family members due to the traditional staffing issues at most long term care facilities. They usually aren't staffed to allow for things infants need, like TLC.

Hopefully it's just a temporary thing.

Let us know how it goes.

wacberry · Oct 4, 2009

I had already thought about the equipment issue. We have nothing! None of us have worked peds in years. The staff is very concerned. This is only for a very short time. To qualify for medicaid and the other assistance. They just have to be here for one midnight. This is one where the company is putting a little profit ahead of everything else.

I know they have facilities that are for children. But, I did not think they could have both children and adults in the same area.

lweatherby · Oct 7, 2009

There is no law or regulation preventing children from being placed in LTC facilities with adults. However, when the state inspection roles around, you must show that have met ALL needs of the patient - including psycho-social - which is difficult to do in a facility geared towards adults.

There is a VERY long waiting list for the CBA program, which is a Medicaid program that provides in-home care for patients. However, there is a short cut - and that is if the patient is in LTC. They are pushed to the top of the waiting list because the state would rather pay for home care (cheaper) than facility care. So.... it looks like the child we be there until someone from CBA can come out and evaluate and make a determination about his/her eligibility for CBA. I'm sure the family will be involved... they are just doing what it takes to get some help!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2009

I hope the baby has involved family members due to the traditional staffing issues at most long term care facilities. They usually aren't staffed to allow for things infants need, like TLC.
Hopefully it's just a temporary thing.
Let us know how it goes.

Not for nuthin', but even my old ones could use more of that.

LVNwannaBE2007 · Oct 8, 2009

our ltc facility houses 6 pedi patients. the one night stay you are referring to is ryder 28 program. there is so much money tied up in the state of texas to help special needs children the loophole is they are uspposed to stay for 30 days. the MD writes an order that they cant stay but 24 hours due to weakened immune systems etc. at census time **usually midnight** the state sees "oh crud there is another child for permanent placement in a nursing home we need to get them out asap" we d/c them home and the money is freed up to help the child out. to my knowledge there were only 2 facilites in texas doing it. one in groves and one near dallas. im glad to see more are jumping on board with the program. i have seen them as young as 3 months in a nursing home. hope this helps