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What’s Involved in the AMFC Training Program?

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Florida Family Home Health aide

Families that struggle to support themselves financially while caring for their medically fragile family member are turning to the new Florida family home health aide program offered through Atlantic Care Services. Here’s how it works.

The AMFC (Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children) training program walks you through the state-mandated training regulations with ease. We want to ensure your process of getting started is as smooth and easy as possible. 

With our custom training now live, interested families can take advantage of comprehensive training at no cost, further enabling them to qualify for the AMFC program.

Overview of the AMFC Training Program

The Florida Family Home Health Aide program consists of a robust training curriculum tailored to meet the needs of caregivers for medically fragile children. Here is what you can expect from the training:

  • 40 Hours of Theoretical Training: This component covers essential theoretical knowledge regarding medical conditions, care techniques, and best practices in caregiving.
  • 10 Hours of Medication Management: Caregivers will receive instruction on the safe and effective administration of medications, ensuring they understand proper protocols and guidelines.
  • 36 Hours of Hands-On Training: This practical component will allow caregivers to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios under supervision.
  • 16 Hours of Skills Competency: Caregivers will demonstrate their skills through hands-on assessments to ensure they are competent in delivering high-quality care.

The training is state-mandated, meeting the standards set by regulatory authorities. We know you already provide excellent care to your child, but completing this training is a prerequisite for participation in the program and employment with Atlantic Care Services.

Important Details for Families

Atlantic Care Services is committed to preparing families for the Florida AMFC program by offering comprehensive training and credentialing. Our proactive approach ensures that family members meet all necessary requirements, equipping them with the skills needed to provide the highest level of care for their children.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that any income earned through the program will count toward your family’s Medicaid eligibility income level. However, at this time, patients enrolled in the Florida Kid Care Medicaid program are not eligible. Atlantic Care Services monitors this situation closely and will update families on any changes.

How to Access the Training

Families will receive an email from no-reply@trainual.com with instructions on how to access the training. Upon receiving this email, click the purple “Join Us!” button to begin your training journey. The Trainual platform works best on a computer or laptop but is also accessible via mobile devices by downloading the Trainual app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the AMFC training program? The AMFC training program helps family members enhance their skills and knowledge in order to care for their medically fragile child or family member as an employee of Atlantic Care Services.

Is there a cost for the training? No, the training is provided at no cost to families.

What is the duration of the training? The training consists of 40 hours of theoretical instruction, 10 hours of medication management, and additional hands-on training and skills competency assessments that are currently being developed.

How will I be notified about the training? Interested and qualifying family members will receive an email with detailed instructions on accessing the training platform.

Can I access the training on my phone? Yes, the training can be accessed on mobile devices by downloading the Trainual app, but using a computer or laptop is recommended for the best experience.

Get Started with the AMFC Program

This program provides an opportunity for you to become a family home health aid for medically fragile children, providing financial support and allowing for more personalized and consistent care. Now that you know a little more about the training requirements, contact us today to get started!

What is the Best Care Option for Your Medically Fragile Child?

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child care for medically fragile children

Finding the right child care for medically fragile children is a significant decision for any family. The complexity of medical needs and the emotional weight of ensuring the best environment for your child can be overwhelming. 

Government programs like Medicaid can be a lifeline, offering free or subsidized complex medical needs child care and therapies based on disability rather than income. 

Securing these benefits requires specific diagnoses and the process varies by state. Once your child is on Medicaid, they are also eligible for the new government-sponsored program that we offer at Atlantic Care Services. 

Let’s explore the various care options and why the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program might be the best choice for your family.

Understanding Complex Medical Needs Child Care

Complex medical needs child care encompasses a range of services designed to support children with various disabilities and medical conditions. Under the American Disabilities Act, typical daycares must accommodate children with special needs, but this often falls short of what is required. Many families find securing appropriate and adequate child care challenging, if not impossible.

Types of Child Care For Medically Fragile Children

  • In-Home Care: In-home care provides personalized attention and allows children to stay in a familiar environment. Caregivers with specialized training can handle complex medical needs, making this an ideal choice for children who require constant medical supervision.
  • Specialized Child Care Centers: These centers offer trained staff and adapted facilities to cater to children with significant medical needs. They often provide access to therapies and specialized equipment but can be more costly.
  • Inclusive Child Care Programs: Inclusive programs integrate children with and without special needs, promoting socialization and developmental benefits. These settings provide support within a community environment, fostering peer learning and inclusion.
  • Respite Care: Respite care offers temporary relief for families, giving primary caregivers a break while ensuring their child receives appropriate care. This can range from a few hours to overnight stays or week-long camps.
  • Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children: This program is optimal for many families. It combines the benefits of professional medical care with the comfort and convenience of home-based services.

Why Choose Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children? child care for medically fragile children

Choosing the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program ensures that your child receives consistent, high-quality care from a trained family member tailored to their medical needs. 

This program offers several advantages:

  • Personalized Care: Home health aides are family members trained to handle various medical needs, from tube feedings to ventilator settings, ensuring your child gets the precise care they require.
  • Comfort and Familiarity: Receiving care at home from a trained family member means your child stays in a familiar, comfortable environment, which can lower stress and promote better health outcomes.
  • Reduced Hospital Visits: With skilled care available at home, the frequency of hospital visits can decrease, leading to a more stable and less disruptive routine for your child.

The Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program is designed to offer the best possible care while easing the burden on families. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting your family’s unique needs by ensuring you receive the training necessary to provide your child with the attention and care they deserve.

Why Work with Atlantic Care Services?

At Atlantic Care Services, we understand the unique challenges faced by families with medically fragile children. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing the highest level of training and support through the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program. 

By choosing Atlantic Care Services, you gain access to:

  • Expert Guidance: Our team includes experienced RNs specializing in pediatric care, ensuring you receive top-notch training, support, and guidance.
  • Personalized Care Plans: We work closely with families to develop customized care plans that address each child’s specific needs.
  • Reliable Communication: Our dedication to open communication ensures that family caregivers can always reach out to Atlantic Care Services with any questions or concerns about their child’s care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Care for Medically Fragile Children

Who qualifies for the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program?

To qualify, the caregiver must be a family member of a medically fragile child, at least 18 years old, able to read and write, pass a background screening, and complete required training under the supervision of a registered nurse. The child must be 21 or younger, Medicaid-eligible, and have a documented medical condition that requires ongoing skilled or respite care at home.

Do parents or family members need medical experience to become a home health aide?

No prior medical experience is required. Family members selected as caregivers receive training from licensed professionals to safely manage their child’s specific medical needs. This ensures children receive appropriate care while allowing families to remain closely involved in daily support.

What type of training is provided for family caregivers?

Caregivers must complete a state-mandated training curriculum before providing care through the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program. This training includes 40 hours of theoretical instruction on medical conditions and caregiving best practices, 10 hours of medication management, hands-on practical training, and a skills competency assessment to demonstrate proficiency. The program is provided at no cost to families and prepares caregivers to safely and confidently support medically fragile children at home.

Is this program different from private duty nursing?

Yes. Private duty nursing typically involves licensed nurses providing care in the home. The Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program allows trained family members to deliver day-to-day care under professional guidance, offering a more flexible and family-centered approach.

Can this program reduce hospitalizations or emergency visits?

For many families, having consistent, trained care in the home helps identify issues early and manage medical needs proactively. This often leads to fewer hospital visits and a more stable daily routine for the child.

Contact Us Today

Choosing the Home Health Aides for Medically Fragile Children Program with Atlantic Care Services means partnering with a dedicated team that prioritizes your child’s health and well-being. 

Contact Atlantic Care Services today to learn how this program can benefit your family and provide the peace of mind you need. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for your child.

Our Story

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A Passion For Helping Others

Our founder and CEO, Jason Coons, has always had a passion for healthcare and helping others. His sister Noell was born with Spina Bifida. Jason saw his sister go through multiple surgeries, receive in-home care, and face many day-to-day challenges with her disability. His sister is now thriving and owns her own company, TheBrideBox.com.

In addition, Jason’s son, Zachary, was born in 2017 with two rare defects, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) and Omphalocele. Zachary received lifesaving care and surgeries in the NICU at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, and spent 103 days in the hospital. Zach came home with oxygen and a Gtube and required multiple follow-up surgeries to continue his repair. Because of the great care and love he received, he is a happy and thriving young boy now!

Jason’s experience and success working in the home health industry for six years prior to starting Atlantic Care Services and his personal experiences as a brother and father showed him the way to create a home health company he could be proud of. Jaime Gonzalez, our COO, worked with Jason at his previous home health company. Jaime described Jason as creating an incredibly positive work and team culture. People no longer felt like they had to work but that they wanted to work.

Jason knew that treating caregivers like gold in every way possible and supporting them in both their careers and their personal lives would result in a culture and place where families would want to come to receive care and caregivers would want to stay.

January 31st, 2018, is the day that Jason secured the license for Atlantic Care Services from the state of Florida. The first patient joined on October 2nd, 2019. Ever since then, the company has continued to grow and make a positive impact on the home healthcare community.

We come together every day to think of new ways to keep our caregivers happy and ensure there is no better home health company to work for. Having the best compensation and benefits in the industry is only a part of it! Keep reading to find out more about our benefits, rewards, and recognition programs.

 

As working parents, it is hard to care for our child and give them the undivided attention they need while providing for the family at the same time. Atlantic Care Services and their staff always puts our child’s best interest first.
 

― Marlon G