Preparing for Adult Care
Here to support the transition into adulthood
When a child turns 18, they are legally an adult. For the medically complex population, this transition requires families to make decisions surrounding the patient’s legal rights and responsibilities as well as potential changes to their healthcare.
By preparing for this transition prior to a child’s 18th birthday, families can be educated on the decisions they will need to make and feel more equipped for this eventual shift.
What it means to legally become an adult
According to Minnesota and Wisconsin law, patients have a legal right to direct their own healthcare and manage their health information when they reach the age of majority, 18 years old.
If a patient cannot make their own healthcare decisions, there are legal documents required to indicate this to healthcare providers.
What it means to transition into adult healthcare
Many hospitals and clinics have policies that identify when a pediatric patient is no longer eligible for care from a particular provider. The specific age can vary from system to system but is generally somewhere between 18-25.
Children with medical complexities have often been seen at the same hospitals and by the same doctors their entire lives, so news of needing to find adult care providers can be a shock if they haven’t been prepared for this transition.
Patients will not need to worry about transitioning off of service with PHS as long as we have a contract with their insurance provider.
How to start the process
The first step to proactive planning is simply becoming aware of the eventual change and starting the conversation early – with family members, healthcare providers, and any other professionals in your child’s circle of care.
We have put tools and resources together that lay the groundwork for these discussions while exploring the various aspects of entering adulthood, and what that means for a person with medical complexities.
Helpful and Trusted Resources
Got Transition Healthcare Transition FAQs
PACER Center Helping students transition to life after high school
Complex Child Planning for the future
Today’s Caregiver Considerations for a special needs child turning 18
We Are Able Young Adults with disabilities
Boston Children’s Hospital Advancing healthcare transitions
Children’s of Philadelphia Transitioning with a chronic illness
Teen Transition Pediatric vs. Adult healthcare
Center for Parent Information & Resources Getting ready for your teen to turn 18
PACER Center Planning your child’s future
Special Needs Financial Planning Determine your timeline
Becoming an Adult Legal and financial planning
Boston Children’s Hospital Help teens take responsibility for their healthcare
Sick Kids Transition readiness checklists for adolescents
SickKids Transition to adult care
Tools to Prepare for Transition
Having access to the right tools can make all the difference as families prepare for a child to transition into adult care. We have put together four resources, adapted from GotTransition.org, that provide a starting point for caregivers and youth alike, including assessments, a care plan, and a transfer checklist.
This document allows you to store your child’s basic information, allergies, diagnoses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and more in one place. With all of these details available, meeting with new doctors can be more efficient and less stressful.
With the caregiver assessment, you can consider what you think your child knows about his/her medical needs and, if necessary, what steps need to be taken to help them learn what they need to understand.
The youth readiness assessment is used to have your child self-evaluate what they know about their healthcare needs, how to navigate the healthcare system and identify necessary follow-up items.
Use the transfer of care checklist to ensure you have the necessary materials for your child’s transfer package before sending them to any doctors or healthcare professionals.