Kid WISE

Concurrent Care for Children

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life as well as provide expert care, comfort and support for children living with a life-limiting illness. Care is provided in your home where your child can be surrounded by family and the things that are familiar and matter most to them.

Our Pediatric Care

Provide symptom management to assist with physical, mental, and spiritual health issues, while prioritizing the goals of your child and family. Children on our Kid WISE service may continue to seek life-sustaining and curative treatments. They may continue to seek care from their pediatrician and specialists.

The Kid WISE program goal is to support you, your child, and your family by making this time as meaningful and positive as possible.

I have hidden in my soul a sliver of the sun.

Who We Care For

Children birth to 21 years of age with a life-limiting illness such as congenital heart disease, pulmonary conditions, cancer, neuromuscular disorders, neurological or genetic disorders. Our Pediatric Medical Director will work with you and your child’s physician(s) to help you explore if your child qualifies for care.

The Kid WISE Team

The Kid WISE team connects with you and your support services to provide the most comprehensive care available for your child. The team may include a nurse, social worker, aide, spiritual counselor, doctor, volunteer, and music therapist. Our goal is to provide expert care and support to address your child’s medical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout this journey.

"The Hospice of Santa Cruz County Program is very medically complete. All the staff are attentive and kind. They have helped by offering my son comfortable transportation to medical appointments, spiritual support and massages. It’s not just my son who has benefited, but my whole family has received help in difficult times."

What We Offer

Physician On-Call 24/7
Pain & Symptom Management
Medication Management
Medical Equipment Coordination
Education on Disease Progression & Decision-Making
Therapies such as Music, Aromatherapy, Massage & Pet Companions
Coordinated Care to Support the Whole Child Model
Emotional and Spiritual Care Counseling
Interpretation Services via Language Line
Volunteer Visitors who help with Errands & Light Chores
Memory and Legacy Making
Grief & Bereavement Support for Entire Family
Camp Erin© Santa Cruz – Bereavement Camp for Youth

FAQs about Kid WISE

Can my child continue to see their pediatrician?
Yes; we will work directly with your child’s current physicians and you may elect to continue curative treatment and therapies with other physicians.

Is Kid WISE care only for children who have cancer?
No; we will accept any child with a life-limiting diagnosis who is deemed eligible by our Pediatric Medical Director and your child’s physician (Pediatrician or Specialist).

Does choosing Kid WISE care mean we are giving up hope?
No; certainly not. By choosing Kid WISE you are creating an opportunity to focus on quality of life as you define it.

Who pays for Kid WISE?
In most cases, private insurance or Medi-Cal cover the costs of Kid WISE. Donations from our generous community also mean that we can accept all eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Kid WISE proudly serves Santa Cruz County, North Monterey County and South Santa Clara County.