Usually between 18 to 21 years old, young adults will leave their childhood doctors and must find a new adult healthcare team. This period can be intimidating, and developing the skills to manage their health and navigate the adult care landscape gives these young adults a better chance of staying connected to care. Staying connected reduces the risk of complications and improves their overall well-being, especially for young adults living with sickle cell disease.
The Aflac SCD Transition Team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, in partnership with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, has created a series of video modules that cover some of the most asked questions about transitioning to adult sickle cell care.
As a parent of a teen living with sickle cell disease, preparing for the transition to adult care is an important step toward your child’s independence. This module will guide you through how to support your teen in building the skills and confidence they need to manage their own healthcare. With the right preparation and support, you can help set them up for a smoother, more successful transition into adult care.
At some point, you’ll transition from pediatric to adult sickle cell care which means taking on more responsibility for your health. This module will help you understand your new rights, build important skills, and start preparing early so you’re not rushed at the last minute. With the right steps and support, you can feel confident and ready to take charge of your care.
When there are so many tasks involved in transitioning to adult healthcare, how do you decide what to focus on? This module will walk you through a simple checklist to help you build the knowledge and skills you need to stay on top of your care. Starting early can help you feel more confident, independent, and ready for what’s next.
Understanding health insurance is an important part of managing your health when you’re living with sickle cell disease. This module will introduce the basics and help you make sense of your coverage, costs, and options. While it’s just a starting point, it will help you feel more prepared to take charge of your healthcare and explore what you need next.
If you ever need medical care away from home, having your health information ready can make a big difference. This module will show you simple ways to keep your important medical details accessible whether it’s on your phone, a bracelet, or a card. With the right tools, you can help healthcare providers make faster, safer decisions about your care anytime, anywhere.
When you have sickle cell disease, an emergency room visit can happen at any time. So, it’s extremely important to always be prepared. This module will show you simple steps you can take ahead of time to make sure you get faster, more effective care when it matters most. With the right preparation, you can reduce stress and stay in control during an emergency.
Patients and families should watch for the following conditions that need an urgent medical evaluation:
• Fever of 101° F or higher
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Increasing tiredness
• Abdominal swelling
• Unusual headache
• Any sudden weakness or loss of feeling
• Pain that will not go away with home treatment
• Priapism (painful erection that will not go down)
• Sudden vision change