Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with special needs, wondering if a stander could benefit your child's health and development? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore the Medi-Cal guidelines to help you determine when a child with special needs may benefit from using a stander, a valuable positioning aid that can support your child's physical well-being and independence.
What is a Stander?
A stander is a specialized piece of equipment designed to support children who have difficulty standing independently. It provides a supportive frame that allows the child to maintain an upright standing position, promoting weight-bearing through the legs and encouraging musculoskeletal development.
Understanding Medi-Cal Guidelines:
Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, provides coverage for durable medical equipment, including standers, for eligible children with special needs. According to Medi-Cal guidelines, a child may benefit from a stander if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
Limited Mobility: Children who have limited mobility due to physical disabilities, neuromuscular conditions, or orthopedic impairments may benefit from using a stander to improve their ability to stand and weight-bear.
Musculoskeletal Support: Standers can provide valuable support for children with musculoskeletal conditions, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, by promoting proper alignment of the spine and limbs and preventing contractures or deformities.
Postural Management: For children who have difficulty maintaining an upright posture independently, a stander can help improve postural control and stability, which are essential for activities of daily living and overall function.
Prevention of Secondary Complications: Standers play a crucial role in preventing secondary complications associated with prolonged immobility, such as muscle weakness, joint contractures, and pressure ulcers, by promoting weight-bearing and active movement.
Benefits of Using a Stander:
Improved Physical Health: Regular use of a stander can help improve circulation, digestion, and respiratory function, as well as prevent musculoskeletal complications associated with prolonged immobility.
Enhanced Independence: By enabling children to stand independently or with minimal assistance, standers promote greater independence in activities of daily living and social participation.
Developmental Support: Standing is an essential developmental milestone that contributes to the development of muscle strength, balance, coordination, and bone density, laying the foundation for overall health and well-being.
Quality of Life: For many children with special needs, the ability to stand and interact with their environment at eye level can have a profound impact on their quality of life, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.
Evidence for Positive Impact on Hip Development:
A stander is instrumental in fostering healthy hip development among children with special needs by facilitating weight-bearing through the lower extremities and promoting optimal hip alignment. Engaging in weight-bearing activities, such as standing in a stander, has been linked to enhanced hip stability and reduced risk of hip dysplasia or dislocation in children with neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy. Recent research supports the benefits of weight-bearing activities for hip health. A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine found that standing programs significantly improved hip stability and range of motion in children with cerebral palsy (Bourke-Taylor et al., 2019). By providing a supportive environment for standing, standers contribute to improved muscle tone, strength, and overall hip development, enhancing mobility and function in children with special needs.
Consultation and Assessment:
If you believe your child may benefit from using a stander, it's essential to consult with your child's healthcare provider or therapist for a comprehensive assessment and evaluation. They can help determine the most appropriate type of stander based on your child's specific needs, abilities, and goals. Please contact us for more information!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, standers can be valuable mobility aids for children with special needs, offering numerous physical, developmental, and psychosocial benefits. By understanding the Medi-Cal guidelines and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can make informed decisions about whether a stander is right for your child and access the necessary support and resources to improve their overall health and well-being.
APPT is dedicated to supporting families of children with special needs in accessing the equipment and services they need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the Medi-Cal guidelines and accessing standers for your child's benefit.
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