Learning your child has a chronic illness can be overwhelming, but as any pediatric nurse will tell you, you’re not alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 20 million children in the United States are dealing with some type of chronic illness or long-term disability. As a result, there are plenty of resources for parents struggling to determine their next steps. At J&D Ultracare, serving the Hudson Valley and the Bronx, NY, we work hard to provide our patients with the highest level of care and support every step of the way. Here, we offer insight into how you and your family can move forward after receiving a diagnosis.

Pediatric Nurse Lends Insight Into Coping With Childhood Chronic Illness

Take Action

For many parents, a proactive approach will alleviate the shock that so often accompanies a serious diagnosis. Set your sights on educating yourself so you thoroughly understand the illness and corresponding treatment options. Talk to your doctor, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the path ahead. 

Get the Help You Need

If your child needs home care, find a reputable nursing staff agency and get the help you need right away. Partner with pediatric nurses and specialists to form a cohesive care team. Seek the help of a therapist to help you, your child, and your family cope with the changes. It’s also wise to accept help from family, friends, and compassionate members of the community.

Talk to Your Child

Unless your little one is particularly young, they probably know what’s going on, and they may have questions that need answering. Take the time to sit down with your child whenever they need it. Make sure they understand their illness, and correct any misunderstandings or misinformation they may be holding onto. Once this bridge of communication has been built, make a point to regularly check in and see how your child is doing—not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Know There’s No Right or Wrong Way

Finally, don’t be so hard on yourself. Everybody handles this situation differently; there truly is no right or wrong way to proceed. Remember to take care of yourself and to build family bonding time into your schedule as often as possible. 

Anything you can do to actively cope with your child’s illness or disability and reduce the stress your family is experiencing will pay dividends as you move forward. To do this, you’ll need a pediatric nurse to lean on for support. At J&D Ultracare, our innovative, dedicated nursing staff agency specializes in pediatric home care. Visit us online or give us a call at (845) 357-4500 and see the difference we continue to make in the lives of our patients.