Sending your child off to college is a significant milestone. For families managing allergies, it can come with extra concerns. Planning early and making informed decisions can ease the transition and help your child stay healthy while away from home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you and your child get ready:
Ages 10–12: Build a Foundation of Independence
Start early by encouraging your child to take an active role in managing their condition. Between the ages of 10 and 12 is an excellent time to:
- Teach them about their allergy or condition, how it’s treated, and what happens if it’s not well-managed.
- Use websites and reliable online tools to support learning.
- Help them prepare for doctor’s visits by writing down questions a few days before the appointment.
- Make sure they know the names, doses, and purpose of each medication they take.
- Explain the difference between medications used daily (such as controllers) and those used during an emergency (rescue meds).
- Introduce them to their written treatment plan whether it’s for asthma, food allergies, or another condition.
- Keep a binder with clinic notes, test results, and scans. As your child gets older, let them manage it.
Two Years Before College: Start Planning Ahead
When researching colleges, factor in medical care:
- Look into the college’s student health center and disability services office.
- During campus tours, visit the health center. Is the atmosphere calm and helpful?
- Some centers focus on common student issues like mental health and social concerns. However, chronic conditions like asthma or food allergies often require help from a specialist.
- Ask if the campus or local community has student groups or support organizations related to chronic health issues.
Other key steps:
- Begin gathering medical records and updating the binder.
- Bring the most recent documents to future appointments, it helps new doctors understand the condition quickly.
- Review your health insurance to ensure coverage in the new location.
- Update or change insurance if necessary.
- Check vaccine records and make sure everything is current.
Reference: merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaccine
After Choosing a College: Set Up Support
Once your child has selected a school:
- Schedule a visit to the campus health center.
- If needed, stop by the disability services office.
- Ask if the health center refers patients to specialists nearby and whether records can be shared electronically.
- Set up a specialist appointment to review your child’s current treatment plan.
- Talk about what to do during illness or after-hours care.
3–6 Months Before Orientation: Prepare for the Move
Before college starts:
- Meet with your home doctor to ensure medications and refills are ready.
- Book appointments with healthcare providers near the college town.
- Bring full contact details to every appointment and request that records be shared between providers.
- Talk to your child about building a small support network, roommates, resident advisors, or professors who may need to know about the condition.
- Practice how to explain the condition and emergency medications like injectable epinephrine.
- Review HIPAA rights. Does your child want to share medical information with you? If so, complete the necessary forms or consider a Durable Medical Power of Attorney.
- Look into available support groups in the area and consider meeting together.
Once College Starts: Build Smart Habits
- Focus on hygiene: Shared living spaces can spread illnesses easily. Good hygiene matters more than ever.
- Know the warning signs: Teach your child how to recognize early symptoms that could make their condition worse.
- Start slow: College life is a big adjustment. A lighter class load in the first semester can help.
- Stick to your treatment plan: Even if they feel great, it’s not the time to stop or change medications. Instead, discuss any changes with a provider and have regular check-ins to monitor progress.
College brings independence and new experiences. With a little planning and support, your child can enjoy this exciting time while staying in control of their health.
Do you need help preparing for this transition? Asthma & Allergy Associates is here to guide you.