Arizona has introduced an innovative program for parents and family members of children with medical needs. The Licensed Health Aide (LHA) program allows these caregivers to receive training, earn certification, and be compensated for providing medical care to their children. The program aims to address the challenges that parents face when managing the care of medically fragile children, especially in a state with a shortage of qualified home health care professionals.
In Arizona, parents of children under the age of 21 who qualify for skilled nursing services can become licensed health aides through a training program. This program gives parents the opportunity to receive compensation while offering the care their children require. It allows families to maintain continuity of care, which is important for children who need constant medical attention, and reduces stress caused by relying on outside providers.
While the LHA program in Arizona shares similarities with other states like Colorado, it has unique features and benefits. Understanding these elements can help parents navigate this new opportunity and better support their children’s health needs.
What Is a Licensed Health Aide?
A Licensed Health Aide (LHA) is someone trained to perform skilled nursing tasks at home for individuals with medical needs. These aides are generally responsible for monitoring patients’ health, administering medications, and offering personal care in the home. In Arizona, the LHA program allows parents and family members of medically fragile children to take on this role.
The LHA program allows family members to obtain certified home health aide training, earn licensure, and perform medical tasks that were once reserved for professional nurses. With a shortage of nurses in home care, this program helps bridge the gap, especially for children who qualify for private duty nursing.
How Does the LHA Program Work?
The LHA Arizona program requires interested parents or family members to complete specific training provided by licensed home health agencies. This training can be customized to meet the medical needs of the child, ensuring that parents are equipped to handle the unique challenges of their child’s care.
Once the training is completed, caregivers must take a state-administered exam to earn their LHA certification. The exam costs $50, with a $3 fee for online submission. After passing the exam, the newly certified LHA can apply for licensure through the Arizona Board of Nursing. The certification lasts for two years and must be renewed.
As part of the training, caregivers must also learn to document and chart care provided. This ensures that all care provided is traceable and meets the standards required by state regulations. Additionally, LHAs must work under a registered nurse who oversees the care process and provides guidance when needed.
Benefits of the LHA Program
The LHA program offers several benefits for parents and families of children with special health care needs. First and foremost, it allows families to avoid the uncertainty of hiring outside caregivers. Parents who participate in the program can manage the care of their children directly, providing them with the support they need in the comfort of their own home.
For families juggling work and care responsibilities, becoming an LHA offers a solution that reduces the strain of managing caregiving tasks and employment. Parents can become qualified professionals, get paid for their work, and have the flexibility to balance caregiving with other obligations.
The program also helps mitigate the staffing shortages faced by home health agencies. Caregivers are often required to work long hours or deal with last-minute cancellations, which can lead to stress and gaps in care. By empowering parents to step into the caregiving role, the LHA program allows for greater consistency in care, ultimately improving the overall well-being of children requiring specialized medical attention.
The Role of the Parent in the LHA Program
Parents involved in the LHA program take on an active role in their child’s care. They become trained professionals who can perform tasks like administering medications, using medical equipment, and providing physical care. These tasks are critical in managing the child’s condition, especially for children who have complex medical needs.
While becoming an LHA may seem like a significant commitment, many parents find that it provides them with greater control over their child’s care. Instead of relying on outside caregivers, parents are in charge of ensuring that their child’s care plan is followed precisely. This can lead to better outcomes for children, as parents are familiar with their children’s needs and can adjust care quickly when necessary.
The program also offers a sense of fulfillment. Parents who have experience caring for a child with special health needs often have a deep understanding of what works and what does not. By becoming a licensed health aide, they gain official recognition for their caregiving expertise. They also acquire valuable skills that can help them in future career opportunities.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage in Arizona
The shortage of skilled nurses is a well-documented issue in Arizona. Many children with complex medical conditions are eligible for private duty nursing, but the state’s limited number of qualified nurses means that many families are left without adequate care. This is where the LHA program comes into play.
By training and certifying parents as LHAs, the program helps address the need for more caregivers while reducing the burden on the state’s healthcare system. It offers a win-win situation for both families and healthcare providers. Parents can continue providing care for their children, and agencies can better manage the demand for skilled nursing services.
The LHA program also benefits the broader healthcare community. Arizona can reduce the strain on emergency services and hospitals with more trained and licensed caregivers. Families who receive sufficient care at home are less likely to need emergency interventions or hospitalizations, leading to cost savings for both families and insurance providers.
Comparing the LHA Program to Other States
Arizona’s LHA program is similar to those in other states, such as Colorado and New Hampshire. However, Arizona’s program stands out for its inclusivity. Parents can participate, and other family members, including grandparents, siblings, and legal guardians, can also become licensed health aides.
For example, in Colorado, the Parent CNA Program allows parents to become certified nursing aides (CNAs) and get paid for providing skilled care to their children. This program has been widely praised for allowing parents to care for their children while earning income.
New Hampshire offers a similar program, but it is more limited in scope. Arizona’s program stands out for its ability to cater to a wider range of caregivers, offering flexibility and creating opportunities for more families to benefit.
The Impact on Families and Children
For parents like Cara Pastrana, the decision to pursue certification through the Parent CNA program in Colorado was life-changing. Cara’s son requires extensive medical care, including dialysis, kidney transplants, and pulmonary support. Before moving to Colorado, Cara faced the overwhelming challenge of managing her son’s care while raising three other children. By becoming a parent CNA, Cara could take control of her son’s care while earning a living.
Many parents in Arizona hope to achieve similar outcomes by becoming LHAs. The ability to receive compensation for providing skilled care to a child with special needs can relieve financial pressures and allow parents to stay home and focus on their child’s well-being.
This program also reduces the stress that comes with finding reliable care providers. With a trained and certified parent or family member managing the child’s care, families are more likely to have consistent and familiar caregivers, which benefits the child’s physical and emotional health.
Start Your Journey With Voyager Home Health Care
At Voyager Home Health Care, we understand parents’ challenges when caring for children with special health needs. Our services support families to ensure their loved ones receive the best care at home. We can help you obtain certification and provide the necessary resources to thrive in your caregiving role.
