Coram Hemophilia Services
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Transitions by age Transitions by Age

16 to 18 Years Old

You’re almost there! At sweet 16 and beyond, your child is growing increasingly interested in the romantic side of life, in addition to other adult-like concerns, such as employment, earning money and driving a car. It is important for everyone in the family to keep their heads on straight. Continue setting expectations surrounding homework, chores and consequences if rules are broken.

On the brink of adulthood, your child should continue thinking about a vocation, career or post-secondary education. Be sure to note the application deadlines of the dozens of scholarship programs available to teens with bleeding disorders.
» View a list of available scholarships

Your child should now be able to comfortably communicate his healthcare needs to home care, HTC and emergency room staff. By the age of 18, infusions should be left completely in the hands of your child, who is now an adult. This includes treatments, infusion log records, and ordering supplies. At this stage, it is also a good idea to help your child understand health insurance and the related issues he will face as a young adult, including benefits, co-pays, deductibles and lifetime caps.

Finally, when you are both ready, it is time to see your educated, level-headed, self-infusing child — who is now an adult — through the end of the tunnel, out of the nest and into the real world, which is sometimes the best teacher of all.

Dental Care

Dental care is important at every age. See our dental care resources to find out what you need to know to keep your teeth in great shape.

Additional Resources