How to Care for an Injured Child Without Breaking the Bank on Childcare
If you need to care for an injured child, you might be worried about the cost. When you add up missed work, rearranged schedules, and the cost of childcare, it can really drain your savings. Not every family has the luxury of hiring a private caregiver on a moment’s notice, or taking extended time off. However, you don’t need a full-time live-in nanny or an expensive babysitter to keep your child safe and comfortable while they heal.
In this article, we’ll explore some practical, budget-friendly ways to care for an injured child.
1. If the injury was someone else’s fault, talk to a lawyer
If your child’s injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, like a careless driver or school staff member, talk to a lawyer right away. Before long, you’ll be faced with medical bills, missed work, and care costs that add up fast. If you have a case, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Most lawyers offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose. You won’t have to pay anything up front or commit to a lawsuit just to understand your options. Many personal injury attorneys take cases on contingency fees, which means you won’t pay any attorney fees unless you win compensation. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
2. Know your limits and your child’s needs
Before you overcommit to doing everything you can on your own, take a step back and look at what your child actually needs. Talk to your child’s doctor to find out. Do they need help with mobility? Medication timing? Physical therapy? Wound care? Knowing the specifics will help you plan effectively.
Don’t assume your child needs full-time help. If they have a broken leg, they might need help getting around, but they can still do school work independently. However, if your child has a concussion, they may need more supervision.
Once you talk to their doctor, make a list of daily needs segmented by the time of day. This will help you identify where and when you need extra help.Your child’s age will also play a role in your decision to hire help. Your 12-year-old is probably capable of spending the day alone in the house, but your five-year-old is not.
3. Build a support rotation
This is where you need to call in the troops. If you have any friends, neighbors, or family members who can pitch in to help, rally them. You might be surprised to see how many people are happy to help when you need them most. Ask for help, but be specific. If you already have someone to care for your child until 2:00 p.m., ask if someone can stay with them from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. when you get home from work. Don’t just say, “can you help?”
Even if you only have support from two people, use Google Calendar to coordinate everything so you can see any gaps and everyone can access the schedule. To make it fair, offer other parents your support when they need it later on.
4. Look for respite services
Some areas have programs that provide temporary caregivers to support recovery for free or on sliding scale fees. This type of service can be a huge help and will save you lots of cash.
5. Get creative with your work schedule if possible
If you feel comfortable, talk to your boss about what’s going on with your child and ask if you can work remotely while they recover. If that’s not possible, look into using your sick leave or taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if you qualify.
6. Make your home recovery-friendly
If you’re able to leave your older child at home while you work, create a recovery-friendly setup for them. They may not be fully independent, but some simple arrangements can help them get by without your presence.
Keep essentials within arm’s reach, like snacks, meds, books, games, tissues, and chargers. Unless your child is entirely immobile, they’re probably going to get restless, so try to keep them relaxed with soft lighting, white noise, and streaming entertainment services.
7. Check your insurance policy for covered reimbursements
Some insurance plans offer reimbursement for temporary home care and necessary supplies. To find out, call your provider, explain the situation, and ask.
You can only do so much
Caring for an injured child while juggling everyday life is tough, and you might need to make sacrifices. However, by recognizing your child’s actual needs, looking into reimbursements and local programs, and requesting help from friends and family, you can help your child recover without spending a fortune.
