The eHomeCare program is a free online training program that aims to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based information on the care of children requiring complex medical care at home. The program consists of eight distinct courses aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of home care providers, including:

• Caring for children with a tracheostomy with or without a ventilator
• Central line care
• Dialysis in home
• Infection control
• Setting boundaries in the home
• Skin care
• Range of motion
• Daily care activities for children

The courses aim to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance caregivers’ confidence and competence in managing both routine and emergency situations. The training is for family members, caregivers, professionals and anyone interested in learning more.

If you have trouble enrolling in the course or need help, please email help@icep.wisc.edu.

Medicare is federal health insurance run by the Social Security Administration. This fact sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) explains the program’s eligibility and how to enroll.

It also explains the Medicare Savings Program, the Extra Help Program and Medicare coverage and costs.

• Medicare Fact Sheet in English
• Medicare Fact Sheet in Spanish

Many children experience the death of a close family member or friend at some point during their childhood.  The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org provides information for parents about childhood grief, ways to help your child, and where to find support.

The information includes:

• Signs your child may need more help
• Important information about tweens
• Resources for more information

The loss of a child is never easy. The Funeral Service Foundation’s free guide “When a Child Dies: Planning Acts of Love & Legacy” offers guidance, support and inspiration to families saying goodbye. Topics include:

• The funeral planning process
• Talking with children about death
• Ideas for planning a meaningful tribute
• Carrying forward and dealing with your grief

For questions, please visit the Funeral Service Foundation’s Contact Us page.

The Funeral Service Foundation’s “Youth and Funerals” page provides free ebooks, printed booklets and webinars to help families discuss death and funerals with youth. The information can help families understand the role funerals play in the lives of children and youth, and how including youth in remembering loved ones can be healing and empowering.

Materials in English and Spanish include:

• Age-appropriate language and advice on discussing death and funerals with youth
• Suggestions for preparing and involving youth in remembering or memorializing a loved one

For questions or more information, please contact the Funeral Service Foundation at (877) 402-5900.

In this video, nurses from Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago describe and demonstrate emergency management for pediatric patients with tracheostomy (trach) tubes. The video covers:

• Prevention and assessment of emergency situations
• How to manage a mucous plug
• How to replace a trach tube that has become dislodged
• What to do if the trach tube is difficult to replace
• When to provide manual ventilation using bag to trach tube, bag and mask to mouth, and mouth to mouth

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition’s (PPCC) Sibling Grief and Bereavement Toolkit aims to address the needs and concerns of children and teens who have experienced the death of their sibling with medical complexities. The toolkit provides information to help adults understand how children and teens may process their grief and how to provide comfort to help them heal.

The toolkit can help with:

• The many feelings siblings might experience
• Therapeutic activities families can do together
• More resources for encouraging and guiding conversations

Timber Pointe Outdoor Center (TPOC) offers specialized lodging, staff and programming modified to accommodate kids and adults of all abilities. The center provides year-round opportunities for individuals with disabilities and illnesses to experience a fun, safe and accessible environment with family and friends.

Owned and operated by Easterseals Central Illinois, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center programs include:

• Day and overnight summer camps
• Partner group camps
• Weekend family retreats
• Facility rentals

For more information, please contact TPOC at (309) 365-8021 or TPOC@eastersealsci.com.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. It includes:

• Contacts for assistance
• A list of helpful terms
• Information on All Kids/Medicaid transportation benefits
• How to enroll in IMPACT (as a Private Transportation Provider)
• Information on pre-approval and submitting a claim

For more information, visit the IMPACT Information and Resources page on our website.

Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) provides recreation and social opportunities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. From ages 3 to their senior years, individuals can enjoy adaptive sports, athletics, camps, social clubs, trips and more. WDSRA is a cooperative extension of nine park districts and serves the communities/member districts of Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.

WDSRA programs include:

• Rec & Roll for individuals ages 22 to 55 with an intellectual disability
• Adaptive sports and athletic programming
• Camps
• Cultural arts
• Social programs and clubs
• Trips and special events

If you have any questions, please see the WDSRA Family Welcome Guide or contact WDSRA at (630) 681-0962 or info@wdsra.com.