Redefining Pediatric Healthcare: Nemours Launches Innovative Care at Home Model

The Future of Pediatric Healthcare: Nemours Children's Health Launches Advanced Care at Home

In a groundbreaking initiative, Nemours Children's Health has introduced the Advanced Care at Home program, marking the first such pediatric home care service designed by a standalone children's hospital in the United States. This innovative model aims to provide comprehensive healthcare to children while allowing them to recover in the comfort of their homes, a concept that is rapidly gaining traction in modern healthcare.

Launched on November 10, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, the Advanced Care at Home program seeks to redefine pediatric medicine by merging cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. It offers 24/7 access to medical professionals and utilizes the latest advancements in healthcare technology to monitor and support children with varying medical needs. As stated by Dr. R. Lawrence Moss, the President and CEO of Nemours Children’s Health, "This model of care promotes a holistic approach, supporting children not just in clinical settings but also in their homes and communities."

The primary objective of this new service is to ensure that children can receive necessary medical care without being confined to hospital settings. It specifically targets patients who are stable yet require ongoing medical supervision, particularly those with complex health conditions that necessitate specialized care. The program has already proven to be effective, with more than 120 patients enrolling since its inception. So far, it has successfully returned 177 hospital days to families, highlighting how it saves costs and reduces stress typically associated with prolonged hospital stays.

Moreover, Advanced Care at Home has demonstrated its ability to avoid future complications for young patients. The initiative has resulted in the prevention of 27 inpatient readmissions and has helped avert 91 emergency department visits, according to Jane Mericle, the Executive Vice President of Nemours Children's Health. "This program has the potential to revolutionize pediatric healthcare, as it allows families to engage in recovery processes from home, thereby promoting continuity of care."

As an extension of Nemours’ existing services, the Advanced Care at Home program aligns with their Whole Child Health approach, focusing on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being. This care model emphasizes that healing occurs more effectively when children are in familiar surroundings, surrounded by their loved ones.

Plans for the future of this initiative include an expansion to Nemours Children's Hospital in Delaware by the end of 2025, with even broader ambitions for a mobile integrated health program specifically catering to pediatric patients slated for introduction in 2026. This future development demonstrates Nemours’ commitment to expanding access to high-quality care, especially in underserved areas.

Nemours Children's Health stands as one of the largest multistate pediatric health systems in the United States, comprising two standalone children's hospitals and over 70 primary and specialty care practices. With a deep-rooted philosophy that prioritizes children's health beyond mere clinical interventions, they incorporate research, education, and community advocacy into their operational framework. Their renowned podcast, "Well Beyond Medicine," and their popular health information website, Nemours KidsHealth.org, are testaments to their comprehensive approach toward child health.

The launch of the Advanced Care at Home program not only highlights Nemours Children's Health’s pioneering role in pediatric healthcare but also signifies a shift towards more family-centered, technology-enabled models of care. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, programs like these demonstrate the potential to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for children, fostering a future where pediatric care is more accessible, efficient, and attuned to the needs of young patients and their families.