Taking care of a child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) can feel hard. SMA is a condition that makes muscles weak.
Children with SMA may have trouble walking, sitting, or doing everyday things. They may also need help with breathing.
At Ava Family Services, LLC, we support children with SMA and their families every step of the way, and our services are 100% free for families with Medicaid.
This guide explains how we care for children under 21 with SMA and how we support families every step of the way.
What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
SMA is a condition that weakens muscles. Each child may have different needs. Children with SMA may:
- Have trouble sitting, standing, or walking
- Need help with breathing, eating, or moving
- Use wheelchairs or breathing machines
We listen to each child and learn about their needs so we can provide the right care.
Who We Serve
We provide care for children and young adults under 21. Our services are 100% free for families with Medicaid, including those using the Katie Beckett program.
If your child has Medicaid, you may qualify for our services without any out-of-pocket cost.
Types of Help We Offer
We provide two main kinds of support at home: skilled nursing and personal care.
Skilled Nursing Help
Our nurses provide:
- Care for breathing machines or tracheostomy
- Help with medicines and treatments
- Teaching families how to give safe care
- Care after a hospital stay to help your child come home safely
Personal Care Help
Our care workers assist with:
- Eating and feeding
- Bathing and dressing
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Moving and transferring safely
Complex Needs
We further support children with complex medical challenges, including:
- Respiratory care for weak breathing
- Support for feeding tubes
- Care for children with other conditions, like cerebral palsy or brain injury
Who Pays for This Care?
If your child has Medicaid, our services are completely free. This includes children on Katie Beckett or other Medicaid programs.
Some parents can also become paid family caregivers, earning a paycheck while caring for their own child. This provides extra support and helps families stay closely involved in their child’s care.
How We Keep Your Child Safe
Safety is very important. We:
- Follow the care plan from your child’s doctor
- Check breathing, feeding, and skin health
- Help prevent infections
- Teach families how to use tools and keep the home safe
How Our Team Works with Your Family
We talk with you and with your child’s doctors. We come to your home at times that work for your family. We listen to you.
We teach skills to parents and to siblings. We support the whole family, not just the child.
Our program coordinates with residential mental health care providers when additional support is needed.
What a Home Visit Looks Like
When our nurse or care worker visits, they:
- Arrive on time and wear clean clothes
- Bring needed supplies
- Greet your child warmly
- Check how your child is doing
- Follow the care plan and complete tasks
- Leave notes and inform you of any changes
- Answer any questions you have
How We Help After the Hospital
Going home from the hospital can be hard. We help with:
- A plan for home care.
- Teaching families how to give medicines and use equipment.
- Scheduling follow-up visits with health teams.
This helps the child heal at home and lowers stress for the family.
We Are Part of the Community
Ava Family Services is more than a care provider. We work with organizations and events that support families.
We help families, hospitals, and communities work together. This makes care better and more available for children with SMA.
Final Thoughts
Living with SMA is challenging, but you do not have to face it alone.
At Ava Family Services, LLC, our team provides care at home completely free, supporting children with SMA while respecting their independence and dignity.
If your child is under 21 and has Medicaid, you may qualify. Call us today to learn how we can help. Our staff guides you through every step, supporting your family.
FAQs
Will the same nurse or helper arrive at my house every time?
We match caregivers with your child’s needs to build trust.
How do you maintain my child’s safety at home?
We follow the care plan provided by your child’s doctor. We check breathing and health regularly. We also prevent infections and guide families on staying safe.
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