Preparing for Adult Services
We use the word "transition" to describe the process of planning and moving on from the WCH to an adult health care team. Transition is a gradual process and your health team may start discussing this with you at around 14 to 16 years of age.
On this page:
We use the word "transition" to describe the process of planning and moving on from the Women's and Children's Hospital to an adult health care team.
Transition is a gradual process and your health team may start discussing this with you at around 14 - 16 years of age. It gives everyone time to talk about what health care you will need as an adult, choose which hospital or services are best for you and make sure you're ready to make the move.
The following resources will assist you to prepare for transition. If you have any questions about transition to adult services contact the Nurse Consultant on 08 8161 7367.
Resources
My personal health folder
The "My Personal Health Folder" is a great tool to help you keep all of your health records that may be required by your medical teams. It includes a health history as well as general information about your day to day health needs. You can also use this to keep track of any upcoming appointments. This can be provided by the Rehabilitation team in either an electronic or paper version – just ask the nurse to help you with this. You can also save the version on this website to a USB and it will be ready to use.
Frequently asked questions
Pathways for adolescents transferring to adult rehabilitation services
Rehabilitation services within South Australia have developed pathways for our adolescent clients who require adult rehabilitation services.
Below are the three pathways, which shows where your health services may be directed once you turn 18.
Youth rehabilitation transition clinic
Some adolescents requiring general rehabilitation services from the age of 18 will be referred to our Youth Rehabilitation Transition clinics. These clinics are designed to facilitate support and follow up in the adult health services and promote a smooth transfer of care from the paediatric setting. They are designed to be short term clinics, aimed at establishing adult services, with services then being linked to other adult areas as required, or linked back to the GP as the primary care provider.
The links below provide information on the three clinics currently in service:
Useful links for young adults beginning the transition from paediatric to adult health care
As a young adult beginning the transition process from paediatric to adult care, there are many questions you may have along the way. The following links will provide useful information that will help you to become more independent in your healthcare. If there are any topics not covered here that you want to know about, please talk to one of the rehabilitation team.
If you want to find out more about Centrelink payments, disability support pensions, Youth Allowance and more. You may also want to visit your nearest Centrelink office for further information
Julia Farr Youth (JFY) are a group of young people living with disability who are enthusiastic about disability youth issues. JFY members believe in young people having the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers, and are passionate about bringing about change. JFY meet and discuss issues important to them, and come up with strategies to change thoughts and lives. JFY exist so that youth living with disability can voice their concerns about their lives and take action to change themselves and others.
At the age of 15 you can apply for your own Medicare card. There is no cost to apply and it may be handy if you need to start attending appointments without your parents.
The following websites have useful advice and information on mental health, including information about depression and anxiety.
It is important to understand how drugs and alcohol affects your body, including side effects and consequences of their use.