What is Medically Fragile?

A medically fragile child is one who, because of an accident, illness, congenital disorder, abuse or neglect, has been left in a stable condition, but is dependent on life sustaining medications, treatments, equipment, and has need for assistance with activities of daily living.

Diagnosed medically fragile by a medical physician, this child may:

• Have chronic health care conditions such as diabetes, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy (CP);
• Be a transplant recipient and require special health care support, such as tube feedings, oxygen therapy, suctioning, tracheostomy care, or a ventilator;
• Have limited mobility and require special health care support due to paralysis or chronic disease.

Dream House addresses the special life-care needs for medically fragile children by preparing families and communities to safely and effectively care for them at home through the Family for Keeps® Transition Care Program.