This guide is for parents of children with disabilities who require the help of a machine or device for some life-sustaining activity such as breathing or eating. Following an introduction, chapter 1 is on preparing for the child's return home including parent training, community-based services, and obtaining funding for home care. Chapter 2, on setting up the home, considers location of the child's bedroom, setting up the child's room, safety precautions, changing the physical structure of the home, and obtaining funding for home changes. Chapters 3 and 4 are on marital adjustment to home care and helping siblings, respectively. Stressed is the importance of communication and allowing siblings to express their feelings. Chapter 5 addresses concerns in working with nurses in the home and covers family rights, establishing roles and responsibilities, setting rules for the care of the child, and the relationship of nurses to siblings and parents. The concluding chapter is on meeting the challenges of parenting including development of identity, discipline, and expressing and listening to feelings. A directory of 31 organizations providing further information is attached. (DB)