Filling the Gap in Pediatric Community Care Through WeeCare
Description
Children with complex medical needs require specialized pediatric care, yet existing home and community care models often lack expertise and consistency. In Ontario, approximately 15,771 children have medical complexity, with 11.8% relying on life-sustaining technology. Despite representing a small percentage of the population, these children account for one-third of pediatric healthcare spending, yet over 70% of home care needs remain unmet, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations. WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care was founded to address these gaps by providing specialized, family-centered pediatric care across home, school, and community settings. WeeCare bridges pediatric home care gaps through multidisciplinary teams trained to support children with medical complexity. Caregivers receive specialized education in ventilator care, enteral feeding, and seizure management. Personalized intake assessments ensure continuity of care, while the AlayaCare platform facilitates real-time updates and data-driven decisions. Partnerships with SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and community organizations enable seamless hospital-to-home transitions and integrated developmental support. WeeCare has significantly improved outcomes: 97% of families report increased confidence in managing care, 78% note fewer hospitalizations, and 92% of children can now participate in school or community activities. A parent shared, “WeeCare has given us the stability we never thought possible.” Expanding this model could reduce hospital costs while improving quality of life for medically complex children. By integrating WeeCare’s specialized, technology-supported, and advocacy-driven approach into healthcare systems, Ontario can enhance access to home and community care while alleviating strain on hospitals.
Filling the Gap in Pediatric Community Care Through WeeCare
Children with complex medical needs require specialized pediatric care, yet existing home and community care models often lack expertise and consistency. In Ontario, approximately 15,771 children have medical complexity, with 11.8% relying on life-sustaining technology. Despite representing a small percentage of the population, these children account for one-third of pediatric healthcare spending, yet over 70% of home care needs remain unmet, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations. WeeCare Pediatric Home Health Care was founded to address these gaps by providing specialized, family-centered pediatric care across home, school, and community settings. WeeCare bridges pediatric home care gaps through multidisciplinary teams trained to support children with medical complexity. Caregivers receive specialized education in ventilator care, enteral feeding, and seizure management. Personalized intake assessments ensure continuity of care, while the AlayaCare platform facilitates real-time updates and data-driven decisions. Partnerships with SickKids, McMaster Children’s Hospital, and community organizations enable seamless hospital-to-home transitions and integrated developmental support. WeeCare has significantly improved outcomes: 97% of families report increased confidence in managing care, 78% note fewer hospitalizations, and 92% of children can now participate in school or community activities. A parent shared, “WeeCare has given us the stability we never thought possible.” Expanding this model could reduce hospital costs while improving quality of life for medically complex children. By integrating WeeCare’s specialized, technology-supported, and advocacy-driven approach into healthcare systems, Ontario can enhance access to home and community care while alleviating strain on hospitals.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/we-spark-conference/2025/postersessions/78