PPEC Services for Children in Fort Lauderdale

Tender Care provides skilled nursing services in a daycare-like environment.

PPEC Services for Children in Fort Lauderdale

For families of children with complex medical needs, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) centers in Fort Lauderdale that offer a vital service — skilled medical care in a daycare-like setting for children with chronic or severe health conditions.

PPEC centers provide an essential bridge between hospital stays and home care, ensuring children receive the care they need in a safe, supportive environment. These centers specialize in children who require continuous or specialized medical care due to conditions such as respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, or other medically complex needs.

What is PPEC?

PPEC is a licensed healthcare service that provides daycare-like care for children with special medical needs. Unlike traditional daycare centers, PPEC centers are staffed with trained healthcare professionals, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This allows children to receive ongoing medical care and therapies in a comfortable, child-friendly environment while still being able to enjoy the socialization and playtime that is essential for their development.

Why Choose PPEC in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is home to several reputable PPEC centers that cater to children who need continuous medical supervision but are stable enough to avoid hospitalization. These centers offer numerous benefits to both children and their families.

1. Skilled Medical Care
At PPEC centers, children have access to skilled medical services, including nursing care, therapy services, and medical monitoring. Children can receive treatments like respiratory therapy, medication administration, and even physical or speech therapy, which ensures their ongoing medical needs are met.

2. Social and Developmental Opportunities
In addition to medical care, PPEC centers provide opportunities for children to interact with peers. This helps with socialization and encourages emotional development, which is especially important for children with chronic conditions who may have limited opportunities for social engagement. By participating in group activities and play, children also develop essential motor and communication skills.

3. Parent Support and Peace of Mind
Parents of children with complex medical needs often face challenges balancing care responsibilities and everyday life. PPEC centers offer respite to parents by providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children during the day. With the assistance of skilled healthcare professionals, parents can go to work or take care of personal matters knowing their children are receiving the care they need.

4. Individualized Care Plans
Every child is unique, and PPEC centers recognize that. These centers work closely with families to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child’s specific medical needs. Whether it’s administering medications, managing physical therapy, or providing developmental support, the care plan ensures that every child receives the best care possible.

Finding the Right PPEC Center in Fort Lauderdale

When choosing a PPEC center for your child in Fort Lauderdale, it’s important to consider factors such as the facility’s reputation, available services, and the qualifications of their staff. Some centers specialize in certain conditions, so be sure to find one that best matches your child’s needs. Also, ensure that the facility is licensed and regularly meets regulatory standards.

Local PPEC Centers in Fort Lauderdale

Several PPEC centers in Fort Lauderdale cater to children with a variety of medical needs. Some well-known centers in the area include:

  • Tender Care PPEC
    This center offers a nurturing environment with a range of services to children from birth to 21 years of age, including skilled nursing care and developmental therapies.
  • Brave Kids PPEC (Coral Springs)
    Although just outside Fort Lauderdale, Brave Kids PPEC offers expert care and a focus on the well-being of children with chronic health conditions, providing individualized treatment and therapies.
  • Glory to God PPEC
    Glory to God PPEC provides skilled medical care, developmental therapy, and a compassionate environment for children with complex needs.

Conclusion

PPEC centers in Fort Lauderdale are a lifeline for families of children with complex medical needs. With access to skilled nursing care, therapy, and developmental support, these centers provide a safe, engaging environment where children can thrive while receiving the medical attention they require. If you’re a parent in need of respite or medical support for your child, PPEC could be the perfect solution, offering peace of mind and allowing children to lead fuller, more active lives.

By connecting with a local PPEC center, you can ensure that your child is getting the right care while also enjoying the social and developmental opportunities that are so vital to their growth.

Tender Care provides care for medically complex and fragile children from birth to 21 years of age in a daycare-like environment staffed with nurses, CNAs, and therapists. We are the first independently owned PPEC in the State of Florida with our initial center opening in 1988. This means we have an abundance of experience and knowledge in providing loving care to this special pediatric population. We have 6 Tender Care PPEC centers throughout Florida, with our newest facility located in Lake Park.

Lake Park Location

Our goal is to enhance the development of each child through collaborative relationships between families, physicians, nurses, and therapists. This holistic approach to care is carried out in an environment that allows the child to engage in social interactions with their peers. This results in thriving children, well-positioned to achieve their greatest potential. We also offer transportation at no cost and provide nutritious meals throughout the day. 

What sets us apart is that we care for and treat every child like family. We have passion in our hearts for our children and a desire to see them succeed.

We are so excited to have a table at this fair and can’t wait to meet all the families that attend.

You can follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

PPEC Offers Many Advantages…

To the child/family:

  • Centrally located nursing and therapy decreases intrusions into family dynamics at home
  • Increased socialization with other children
  • Decreased hospitalization
  • Personalized case management ensuring the best care for your child
  • Offers caregivers increased potential to return to work or school
  • Early detection of potential health problems by licensed professionals

To the payer:

  • Decreased hospitalizations through early detection and case management
  • Increased compliance with plan of care resulting in less utilization of health care benefits
  • An average savings of 40% to 50% compared to Home Health services

 

Common pediatric diagnoses that indicate a potential need for daily skilled nursing services:

  • Premature infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, apnea of prematurity, oxygen and pulse oximetry dependence
  • Cerebral palsy with gastrostomy or jejunostomy dependence and/or seizures
  • Spina bifida with or without an Arnold Chiari malformation and shunt monitoring, and urinary catheterization dependence
  • Certain cardiac anomalies
  • Post-transplant status
  • Immunosuppressed status
  • Tracheostomy status (with or without ventilator dependence)
  • Failure to thrive
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • History of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
  • Adrenal Insufficiency
  • Presence of a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy, or vesicostomy

*This is not medical advice, always consult with your child’s doctor before making any changes to their lifestyle. 

Related:

Tender Care Attended the OASN Community Resource Fair

We attended the OASN Community Resource Fair on November 4th! This event was hosted by OASN, located in Ocala, FL. Many families stopped by our table to learn about Tender Care PPEC and how we are involved in the community.

Tender Care PPEC had a Successful Special Needs Resource Open House on Jan. 10th!

📢 Tender Care had a successful Special Needs Resource Open House event at our West Palm Beach location! This was Tender Care’s FIRST EVER Resource event at this location on Wednesday, January 10th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. 📆

Dos and Don’ts When a Child Gets a New Diagnosis

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and when your child receives a diagnosis of special medical needs, it can bring a mix of emotions and challenges. Below we list the dos and don’ts when a child gets a new diagnosis. 

3 Benefits of Oral Function Therapy

Curious about oral function therapy? We explain three benefits this therapy has for your child with special needs.

Building Our Village: Allegra Family Pediatrics

The Tender Care PPEC podcast, titled “Building Our Village,” is a compelling new series designed to support families of special needs care. In this episode, Jennyfer from Allegra Family Pediatrics, discusses the importance of early diagnosis and intervention as well as taking your child to the doctor.

Supporting Children with Special Medical Needs Through Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy

Children with special medical needs often face unique challenges in their daily lives. Whether it’s due to congenital conditions, developmental delays, or injuries, the support of physical, occupational, and speech therapy can make a profound difference in helping them thrive. These therapies aim to improve mobility, enhance communication, and foster independence—key aspects in a child’s growth and development.

5 Feeding Tube Myths for New Parents with a Special Needs Child

Are you a new parent with a special needs child with a feeding tube and can’t distinguish the myths from the facts? We explain five of the most common myths about feeding tubes to put your mind at ease.

We are Honored to Sponsor a Table at the 3rd Annual We Walk as Lions Dinner & Fashion Show!

Tender Care is passionate about helping the special needs community, which is why we decided to sponsor a table at the upcoming 3rd Annual We Walk as Lions Dinner & Fashion Show. This event is held by Chasin A Dream Foundation to celebrate children battling illnesses and disabilities.

36 Years of Care at Tender Care PPEC

🎉📅 What an incredible journey it’s been of 36 years of care! Today, we’re taking a moment to celebrate a milestone that’s close to our hearts. 🥳 Tender Care PPEC has been nurturing and providing exceptional care since 1988 – that’s 13,169 days of unconditional support, growth, and memories! 🌱💞

Take me out to The Miracle League of Palm Beach County Ball Game!

Tender Care had the pleasure of watching The Miracle League of Palm Beach County baseball game which is open to all children regardless of mental or physical disabilities.