What Moms Wish They Knew Before Starting GAPP

Becoming a parent caregiver is one of the most meaningful and overwhelming responsibilities a family can take on. When your child has complex medical needs, the balance between caring, coordinating, advocating, and simply being a parent can feel like too much to handle alone.

That’s why Georgia’s GAPP program (Georgia Pediatric Program) exists: to help children receive skilled nursing care at home, where they feel safest and where families can stay together. But if you’re just beginning your GAPP journey, it’s normal to feel confused, intimidated, or unsure about what to expect.

After guiding many families through the GAPP process, here’s what parents consistently say: “I wish I had known this earlier.”

This article brings together the most common insights Georgia families share. The things they wish someone had told them before they started GAPP, before they became parent caregivers, and before they chose a home care agency.

1. You Don’t Have to Do Everything Alone

Most families come to GAPP feeling exhausted. Before approval, parents are often managing:

• feeding tubes

• oxygen or respiratory support

• seizure management

• repositioning and mobility support

• constant monitoring

• hospital follow-ups

• and every task in between

All while juggling work, other children, and daily life.

One of the biggest “I wish I knew” moments for families is realizing:

GAPP provides real support: nursing hours, teaching, and funding for caregivers - not just check-ins or light supervision.

Skilled nursing hours mean pediatric-trained nurses come to your home to help with the most complex parts of your child’s care. This isn’t babysitting. Unskilled nursing hours, also known as Personal Support, provides for caregivers, or even parents, to become professional care assistants. Learn more about the difference here.

It’s medical support that:

• relieves stress on the parent caregiver

• increases safety for the child

• reduces ER visits

• strengthens long-term development and stability

2. The GAPP Process Is Confusing But It’s Not Impossible

Families are often surprised by how many steps there are:

• physician referral

• nursing assessment

• eligibility evaluation

• submission to Medicaid

• plan-of-care development

• staffing and scheduling

Many parents feel lost at first because no one sits down and explains the full process clearly. That’s why so many say:

“I wish I had someone guiding me from day one.”

A supportive home care agency will help you understand each step, complete paperwork correctly, and keep everything moving. The GAPP process is much easier with a team that knows how to navigate Medicaid approvals, communicate with providers, and avoid delays.

If you’re just starting, don’t feel discouraged. The learning curve is normal, and families get through it every day with the right guidance.

3. Your Home Care Agency Matters More Than You Think

This is one of the biggest surprises for new GAPP parents.

Families often assume:

“GAPP is GAPP, so every agency must be the same.”

But in reality, agencies differ dramatically in:

• communication

• nurse quality

• reliability

• responsiveness

• experience with medically complex children

• professionalism

• cultural understanding

Many parents share that they initially went with the first agency suggested, only to switch later because of poor communication, inconsistent staffing, or a lack of support.

The right agency should feel like an advocate, not just a vendor.
The wrong agency can create unnecessary stress and make the GAPP experience far harder than it has to be.

(Next week’s article will cover exactly how to choose the right agency and what red flags to avoid.)

4. Parent Caregiving Is a Big Transition

Even with skilled nursing hours, many families are surprised by the emotional shift that comes with becoming a “parent caregiver.”

Parents say they wish they knew:

• it’s normal to feel overwhelmed

• it’s okay not to know everything on day one

• you don’t have to be perfect

• training and support are part of the process

• a good agency will teach you, not judge you

Your child’s home care team is there to help you grow into the role, build confidence, and navigate tasks safely. You’re not expected to be a medical expert (you’re expected to be a parent). Support fills the gaps.

5. Nursing at Home Can Transform Family Life

Many families underestimate the positive impact GAPP can have on the entire household. With consistent nursing support, families report:

• improved sleep

• more quality time with siblings

• fewer emergency visits

• the ability to return to work

• reduced stress and burnout

• a calmer, more structured home routine

Most importantly: Children thrive when they receive medical care at home, in their own bed, with their own toys, surrounded by family.

6. Every Child’s Needs Are Different

New GAPP parents often compare their situation to others:

• “Do we qualify for the same hours?”

• “Why does one child get more support?”

• “Should my child’s care plan look like theirs?”

The truth is:
Every child’s needs, conditions, and medical risks are unique.
The number of hours and tasks assigned through GAPP is based on a professional nursing assessment, not comparison.

Parents say they wish they knew not to stress about what other families receive. But to focus on what their child needs and what supports their long-term well-being.

7. You Can (and Should) Ask Questions

GAPP parents often feel intimidated early on. You may wonder:

• “Is this the right equipment?”

• “Should my nurse be doing this or teaching me that?”

• “Is it okay to request a different nurse?”

• “What does this part of the plan of care mean?”

The answer: yes, you can ask. You should ask.
Families frequently share that once they felt empowered to speak up, everything improved.

Good agencies welcome questions and provide transparency, not frustration or defensiveness.

8. The Approval Timeline Isn’t Always Fast

Some families are approved quickly. Others require follow-up documentation, additional assessments, or physician clarification.

Many parents say they wish they knew:

• delays don’t mean denial

• follow-up requests from Medicaid are common

• a strong agency can help speed up missing steps

• patience helps, but you deserve updates along the way

You’re not alone in the uncertainty.
The right team makes the waiting easier and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

9. What Happens After You’re Approved

Families often assume the hard part ends with approval.

But the truth is:

• staffing needs to be matched

• nurses need to be trained on your child

• schedules need to be finalized

• routines take time to strengthen

The first weeks can feel like an adjustment period, but once the right nurse is in place, families consistently say:

“Our home feels calmer again.”
“We finally feel supported.”
“We can breathe.”

10. You Deserve Support, and Your Child Deserves the Best Care

Above all, families say they wish someone had told them this:

You are not a burden. Your questions are valid. Your child deserves excellent care. And you deserve a team that treats your family with dignity and compassion.

Becoming a parent caregiver through GAPP is a journey, one filled with learning, emotion, and growth. But you don’t have to walk that path alone. With the right guidance and the right home care agency, GAPP can bring stability, safety, and peace into your home.

If You’re Just Starting Your GAPP Journey…

Miralta Home Care is here to support you with:

• clear communication

• experienced pediatric nurses

• compassionate support for families

• guidance through every step of the GAPP process

No pressure. Just help.

If you’d like someone to talk through your child’s eligibility or next steps, reach out anytime.You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.