What resources are available if my child has to stay in the hospital for a long time?

Every hospital is different, so talking to your social worker or a hospital support group can help you figure out your options and what kinds of resources your hospital has.

• Food: Sometimes hospitals will have meal trays for parents, which can take a load off your mind. Sometimes hospitals have a family resource center with donated items they can give you. If you're nursing or pumping, some hospitals may have nursing mom food trays. California Children’s Services (CCS) also offers meal funds per parent at the bedside, something to ask your social worker about. You can also check out a Ronald McDonald House for meals and snacks (you can get a day pass even if you aren't staying in one). Be sure to keep non-perishable food on you so you have something to tide you over.

• Sleep: Sleeping arrangements typically depend on the hospital and what level of care your child needs. Some hospitals have beds they can wheel in, which can accommodate both parents staying the night. They may also have parent rooms, but they’re not usually not the best long-term option if your child is in the hospital for a month or more. There's usually no bedside sleeping in the NICU, so parents may need to reach out to a Ronald McDonald House (free or low-cost, but sometimes there is a waiting list) or find an inexpensive hotel or someone to stay with nearby if they’re not local. Different hospitals may also have their own local housing options, so ask your social worker for resources. Note: check with your insurance about sleeping assistance. Sometimes insurance such as Medi-Cal or Medicaid will cover the cost of a hotel room in part or in full if there is no bedside accommodations for a parent.

• Laundry: Some hospitals have laundry facilities for families to do laundry. Check with the hospital to see if this is available. Bring a bag or even an extra pillowcase that can serve as a laundry bag.

• Child life specialist: Most hospitals have child life specialists who are educated and clinically trained to work with doctors, nurses, and you and your child throughout your child’s hospital stay. They provide emotional support for parents and kiddos to help reduce all the anxiety of being in a hospital. They can bring things like toys and coloring books, as well as music and art therapists, service dogs, and more.

• Funding: If your child is in the hospital for a long time, you will likely soon reach the out-of-pocket maximum for your primary health plan, but you will want to be aware of what your plan has as the coverage for the benefit for hospital stay. They'll probably keep you authorized up to a certain point, but you should know what your percentage is past that authorization. While primary private health insurance is always going to be the first in line, CCS and Medi-Cal can both come in as secondary insurance.

• Public benefits: A child who is currently in the hospital cannot be assessed for Regional Center services, and they cannot claim any IHSS hours. However, your child may qualify for Supplemental Security Income if their stay extends one month or more. SSI recipients can qualify for Medi-Cal.

For more information, see our full article How to Prepare for Your Child's Extended Hospital Stay.