Services
Private duty nursing for medically complex children
A child who needs round-the-clock attention can still have a childhood at home. Our nurses learn the equipment, the routine and the child.
The short answer
Private duty nursing is ongoing skilled nursing at home for a child whose care cannot be safely handled in short visits. Florida Medicaid covers it for people under 21 when it is medically necessary and prescribed. Aster Care serves children in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Who it is for
Children who need skilled nursing through much of the day or night. Common reasons include a tracheostomy or ventilator, tube feeding, seizures that need a trained response, or complex medications. A prescribing provider and the child's Medicaid coverage determine the hours.
What to expect from us
- A registered nurse assesses your child at home and writes the plan with you.
- We try to keep a small, steady group of nurses so your child knows them.
- Nurses follow your family's routine, not the other way around.
- We tell you honestly how many of your authorized hours we can staff.
If there are not enough nurses
Florida's Family Home Health Aide program lets a trained relative, employed by a home health agency, deliver aide care. By law those hours reduce the child's nursing hours and cannot run at the same time. Read about the hours, the training and how it affects your Medicaid before you sign up.
How to start
Ask your child's doctor for an order, and call us with your child's Medicaid plan. See the children's home health guide for the steps.
We serve families across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
About this page. Aster Care LLC is a private home care agency, not a government agency. Eligibility decisions are made by the state offices named here. This is general information, not legal or benefits advice, and program rules change, so please confirm details with those offices.
Questions families ask
Can a nurse go to school with my child?
Support out in the community is part of how we think about care. Ask us and your child's plan what is covered for school.
What happens at age 21?
Private duty nursing under this benefit is for people under 21. iBudget Florida covers it for adults 21 and over who qualify, and Long-Term Care is another option. Start planning with your support coordinator early.