Neonatal/pediatric care at home

Home infusion pharmacists, specially trained in pediatric care, will oversee the formulation and delivery of your child’s home infusion medication. Deliveries will be conveniently made to your home on a regular schedule so you have the medication you need. Your pediatric nurse, specially trained in infusion, will set up a visit schedule and explain and demonstrate the steps involved in your child’s infusion and make sure you're comfortable and confident in caring for your child. We'll also give you contact information to use should questions or concerns arise during nights, weekends and holidays.

Children facing a variety of conditions may benefit from nutrition therapy, like total parenteral nutrition (TPN) which provides nutrition and fluids directly into the blood through an IV.

Another artificial feeding method is enteral nutrition, which routes liquid nutrition through your child’s digestive system. For enteral nutrition, a tube may be inserted through a tube through the nose (nasogastric tube) or through an opening that goes into the stomach or intestines.

Nutrition therapy that began in the hospital can continue at home. Your child’s nurse will coordinate with our dietician and your child’s physician to make sure your child is receiving the proper nutrition. Training on how to administer your child’s nutrition therapy will occur before you leave the hospital and be reinforced once your child returns home, so you are comfortable with providing your child’s care. Regular deliveries of nutrition and supplies will arrive at your home so you always have what you need. Our nursing care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in case you have questions or issues arise.

Children who return home from the hospital with respiratory needs require care from our respiratory therapists, who are certified in neonatal and pediatric care. From discharge planning and parent education, to home safety and the latest technology, our therapists coordinate with your child’s nurse to provide the child-centered care prescribed by your child’s physician. Our respiratory equipment includes apnea monitors, pulse oximeters, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) equipment. Equipment is delivered to your home by our specialty technicians, who walk you step-by-step through proper operation until you are comfortable using it. Our respiratory therapists are available around the clock to ensure proper communication with your child’s home care team and physician.

Ask your doctor to refer you to Advocate Health at Home neonatal and pediatric nurses for specialized care.