Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) In-Home Nursing
What is the Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)?
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid program that pays for in-home skilled nursing and personal care for medically fragile children and young adults under 21.
Instead of long hospital stays or nursing facilities, GAPP allows your child to receive the care they need in the comfort of home, surrounded by family.
A Helpful Hand Health Care Service is an approved GAPP provider. We partner with your child’s doctors and Georgia Medicaid to build a safe, customized plan of care, and bring skilled nurses and trained caregivers right to your door.
Who May Qualify for GAPP Services?
Your child may qualify for GAPP if:
- They are under 21 years old
- They have ongoing medical or personal care needs
- They are eligible for Georgia Medicaid or another Medicaid program such as Care Source etc. (or can become eligible).
Not sure if your child qualifies? Reach out to us—We’ll listen to your child’s story and assist you in understanding your options.
What Services Can My Child Receive?
GAPP services are provided in the home. Care can include both skilled nursing and personal care support, depending on your child’s approved plan.
Skilled Nursing in Your Home
Our licensed nurses can help with:
- Monitoring vital signs and respiratory status
- Tracheostomy and ventilator care
- Oxygen management
- Tube feedings (G-tube, J-tube, etc.)
- Medication administration and injections
- Seizure monitoring and emergency response as ordered
- Wound care and post-hospital care
- Coordinating with your child’s specialists and primary care provider
Personal Care Support
Personal Care Support staff can assist with:
- Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Feeding and meal preparation
- Mobility and safe transfers
- Light housekeeping related to your child’s care area
- Safety and supervision during approved hours
Behavioral Support Aide
For some children with behavioral health needs, GAPP may also approve a Behavioral Support Aide to provide structured support in the home, based on medical necessity and GAPP guidelines.
How A Helpful Hand Healthcare Makes The GAPP Process Easier
The GAPP process and paperwork can feel overwhelming. Our team handles most of that for you.
When you choose A Helpful Hand Health Care Service, we:
Listen to your needs
We learn about your child’s diagnoses, equipment, and daily care needs
Coordinate with your child’s doctors
We work with the hospital team and/or your child’s specialists and primary care doctor to gather the right medical information.
Prepare and submit the GAPP packet
Our team completes and submits the required GAPP forms to the state review team.
Communicate with Medicaid and the review nurse
We respond to questions and track your child’s request until a decision is made.
Set up your care schedule and start services
Once hours are approved, we build a schedule that fits your family and begin the in-home care.
You don’t have to figure out GAPP alone. We walk with you through every step.
Family Caregiver Option
Can a Family Member Get Paid to Care for My Child?
In some situations, GAPP allows a Family Caregiver Option for Personal Care Support services.
This may allow a legally responsible adult who lives with the child (such as a parent or legal guardian) to be hired, trained, and paid by our agency to provide certain personal care services.
Key points:
- This option applies to personal care support only, not skilled nursing or behavioral aide services
- The family caregiver must meet background check, CPR, and training requirements and become an employee of our agency
- Foster parents are not eligible for this option under current GAPP rules
If you’re interested in being your child’s paid caregiver, let us know. We’ll review your situation and explain whether this option may be available for your family.
GAPP Frequently Asked Questions
Need A Helpful Hand with GAPP?
If your child has complex medical needs, you don’t have to navigate this alone
Listen to your needs
We learn about your child’s diagnoses, equipment, and daily care needs.
Coordinate with your child’s doctors
We work with the hospital team and/or your child’s specialists and primary care doctor to gather the right medical information.
Prepare and submit the GAPP packet
Our team completes and submits the required GAPP forms to the state review team for you.
Communicate with Medicaid and the review nurse
We respond to questions and track your child’s request until a decision is made.
Set up your care schedule and start services
Once hours are approved, we build a schedule that fits your family and begin the in-home care.
No. Families can apply for GAPP from the hospital or from home through an approved GAPP agency like A Helpful Hand Healthcare. Hospital discharge planners and physician offices can also help start the process.
Yes. Parents and legal guardians have freedom of choice of GAPP providers and may request to transfer services, following program rules.
No. GAPP services are provided in the home only. Care in school settings is handled separately through the school system or other programs.
GAPP ends on the child’s 21st birthday, but other adult Medicaid waiver or support programs may be an option. We’ll help you plan for a safe transition before that date.