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Family + Home Needs Assessment
Family Living Arrangements
WHERE WILL THEY BE LIVING
Assess where the family is currently living and where they will be living after their baby is discharged from the NICU, if it's different.
Ascertain if there are special considerations related to the location where they're living that could affect discharge planning. For example, there are some places where there are limited resources and services for families.

supplies
Home Supplies
DO THEY HAVE WHAT THEY NEED
Prior to discharge, confirm the family has the supplies and equipment they will need to provide care for their infant at home.
This includes - at minimum - confirming they have food, diapers, a car seat, a crib or bassinette, and what they need to create a safe sleep environment for themselves and their babies.

Home Assessment
housing
ARE THEIR HOUSING NEEDS MET
During the home assessment confirm that the family has secure housing.
Help them make sure they have the basics that everyone needs like safe and adequate water, electricity, heating, cooling, a refridgerator, and smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
If their baby will need special medical equipment, ask if there will be space to accommodate it and power to operate it.

transportation
Transportation
GETTING WHERE THEY NEED to GO
Determine if the family has any problems with transportation that would adversely affect their ability to attend follow-up appointments.
With the family’s permission, communicate this with community providers.
Offer information on community resources and medical transportation.

child care
Child Care
THEIR CAREGIVING TEAM
Explore with the family their plans for child care after their baby is discharged from the NICU.
Connect them with community resources and trusted providers.
Help them communicate their babies’ needs with caregivers.

nutrition
Nutrition
GETTING the FOOD THEY NEED
Determine if families qualify for programs like:
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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)
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SSI Disability (SSDI)
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Help them connect with food pantries and meal programs where they live.
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Where are they living? Are their housing needs met?
Does the family have what they need to care for their baby?
Does the family have safe, adequate housing?
Can the family get where they need to be reliably?
Who are the members of their caregiving team?
Does the family need help getting the food they need?
Who is a part of their community? Where do they find help?
How do they handle stressors? Do they need more support?
Do they have the mental health support they need?
What do they need for them and their baby to be safe?
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