Transition to adult healthcare

What is transition?

As you grow older, you’ll need to start taking more responsibility for your own health. Transition is all about preparing you to move from children’s healthcare to adult healthcare services, and it’s important to start this process early.

During this time, you’ll work on building the skills you need to manage your health confidently and independently.

Why is transition important?

This process isn’t just about your medical needs – it’s also about gaining independence.

You’ll have the chance to:

• ask questions about your health
• learn how to manage your condition,
• start taking ownership of your appointments and treatment plans.

By preparing early, you’ll feel more confident when it’s time to take charge of your healthcare as an adult.

The 3 stages of transition

1. Introductory/Planning Stage (12-14 years)

This is when you’ll first learn about the transition process.

You’ll start by understanding your medical condition and learning how to take care of yourself.

It’s a good time to ask questions about your health, treatments, medications, and what you need to know for the future.

2. Preparation Stage (14-16 years)

During this stage, you’ll develop the skills needed to manage your health.

You’ll begin to:

• have more independent time during doctor appointments
• your healthcare team will help you start making decisions about your care
• understand how to manage stress and anxiety
• understand how to talk to your parents about becoming more independent.

3. Transfer Stage (16-18 years)

By this stage, you should be ready to look after yourself and feel confident in managing your health.

You’ll learn more about important topics like mental health, safe sex, drugs and alcohol, and financial support.

You’ll also need to find a General Practitioner (GP) that you trust and make sure you know where your new adult healthcare services are located.

Key tips for a smooth transition

• Start learning about your condition and treatment plan.
• Begin making decisions about your healthcare independently.
• Talk to your parents about becoming more involved in your appointments.
• Look for a GP who can help you with ongoing care.
• Learn how to manage your health and any emergencies that may arise.

Useful resources

• Transition for adolescents Health Fact sheet (PDF)
• Useful tips for transition Health Fact sheet (PDF)

Why is transition important for parents?

As your child grows, you’ll need to gradually hand over more responsibility for their healthcare.

This can be a big change for both of you, but it’s an essential part of helping your young person gain independence and confidence in managing their own health.

How to support your young person

The transition process is not just about medical care – it’s about preparing your young person for adult responsibilities.

Guide them through the stages of transition and support them as they develop the skills to manage their health independently. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Start the conversation early

Talk to your young person about the transition process. Let them know that it’s a normal part of getting older, and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.

2. Be involved in the planning process

You and your young person will be involved in creating a transition plan. This plan should address what your child needs to learn about their health and condition, as well as any support they might need in the future.

3. Encourage independence

Help your young person become more independent by encouraging them to take charge of their healthcare.

This might include:

• speaking to their doctor on their own
• managing their appointments, or
• learning to recognise when they’re unwell.

The 3 stages of transition for parents

1. Introductory/Planning Stage (12-14 years)

This is when you’ll start learning about the transition process together.

You’ll work with your young person’s healthcare team to figure out what they need to know and how to prepare.

2. Preparation Stage (14-16 years)

At this stage, your young person will be developing the skills they need to take care of themselves.

You’ll be helping them learn about their health condition and encouraging them to take on more responsibility for their healthcare.

3. Transfer Stage (16-18 years)

By this stage, your young person should be ready to transition to adult healthcare services. You’ll help them make appointments, gather medical records, and ensure they have the information they need for a smooth transition.

Helpful tips for parents

• Encourage your young person to manage their own health appointments and ask questions during visits.
• Start discussing what it means to have a GP and the role they play in adult healthcare.
• Make sure your young person knows how to access their health information and where to get help in an emergency.

Helpful resources:

• Transition Resource for Parents Health Fact sheet (PDF)

Finding a GP

Your young person should have a GP who they feel comfortable with and who will be their first point of contact for any health concerns.

It’s important to find a GP who is familiar with their health needs and can continue to provide care as they transition into adulthood.

We have helpful tips for adolescents to find a good GP in this Health Fact sheet.

Resources for families of adolescents with disabilities

We understand that transitioning from paediatric to adult healthcare services can look different for families of young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

We offer specific resources to guide you through this process and help you address unique challenges, such as equipment needs, carer support, and adult responsibilities.

Download Transition resource for parents of a young person with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (PDF).