Understanding the condition and how in-home care can help support your family.
If your child has been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), it’s natural to want clear, helpful information about what that means and what comes next. At Wave, we provide families with support they can count on starting with education and tools to feel confident at home.
This guide covers the basics of SMA, how it may affect your child’s day-to-day care, and how home-based respiratory and nutritional support can make things more manageable for everyone involved.
What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?
SMA is a genetic condition that affects muscle strength and movement. It’s caused by a change in the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, which affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles. As a result, the muscles used for walking, breathing, swallowing, and other movements can become weaker over time.
There are several types of SMA, ranging from mild to more involved. Many children with SMA may need support for:
- Muscle tone and movement
- Breathing and airway clearance
- Nutrition and feeding
- Physical comfort and positioning
Every child with SMA is unique, and care plans are tailored to their individual strengths and needs.
What Kind of Support Might Be Needed?
Depending on the type of SMA and your child’s specific needs, care may involve:
- Respiratory therapy, including cough assistance, suctioning, or non-invasive ventilation (like BiPAP)
- Feeding support, such as a feeding tube or enteral nutrition for steady growth
- Mobility aids or therapy recommendations to encourage movement and comfort
- Home-based routines that keep care organized and consistent
With the right support in place, many children with SMA are able to participate in daily life, enjoy activities they love, and build strong, reliable care routines at home.
How In-Home Care Can Help
At Wave, our team helps families manage respiratory and nutritional care with guidance that’s practical, personalized, and hands-on. We bring the equipment, training, and follow-up care directly into your home so your family can focus on daily routines with more confidence and less stress.
Our services include:
- Equipment setup and caregiver education
- Ongoing respiratory assessments and support
- Nutrition coordination and enteral supply delivery
- Coordination with your child’s physician and specialty providers
We’re not just a supplier, we’re a support team focused on making care feel simpler and more accessible every day.
Moving Forward with Support
Understanding SMA is the first step. Building a care plan that works for your child and your household is the next. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or looking to improve your current routine, Wave is here to help with reliable in-home support that fits your family’s needs.
If you have questions about home respiratory or nutritional care for SMA, reach out anytime. We’re here to support your care routines step by step, day by day.
