Preparing to Stay
Find out the steps to take, what to pack and how to talk to your child.
At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we never forget that this may be your first hospital experience. Whether your child is a new patient or they’ve been in the hospital before, we know that visiting us can cause feelings of anxiety and worry. Being prepared can help.
Before Your Hospital Visit
If you're scheduled to visit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, you have time to get ready. We suggest taking the following steps to make your visit smoother and less stressful.
Verify Your Insurance Coverage
It's important to confirm that your insurance company will cover your child’s care. We recommend checking the insurance plans we accept to make sure we take your insurance. It's also a good idea to contact your insurance company to verify coverage, copayments and deductibles.
Get a Price Estimate
Cost is an important factor when seeking care for your child. Through Memorial Healthcare System, you can receive a good faith price estimate to help you plan payment. We offer self-pay and insured estimates.
Apply for Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for families based on their ability to pay. You may be eligible if your income is less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Find out more about hospital financial assistance.
Arrange for Lodging and Transportation
Arriving at the hospital can be hectic. We recommend looking at a map to ensure you know your route and where to park.
If you're traveling to see us, we provide free housing for families at Conine Clubhouse. You can also request a list of local hotels and extended-stay lodging.
Find Out About Our Dining Options and Amenities
We offer several food options, including cafeteria, café and in-room dining, and a range of amenities to make your stay more comfortable.
Let Us Know if You Need an Interpreter or Have Special Needs
It’s important for you and your child to communicate effectively with your care team. We provide translation services in many languages and assistance for people with special needs.
Let your care team know your needs ahead of time. With advance notice, we can be ready to assist you when you arrive.
Contact Our Global Health Team
If you are coming to us from abroad, Memorial Global Health can help guide your care. International patients receive 360-degree assistance, from planning your stay to transitioning care back to your doctor at home. Services we provide include making appointments, expediting your visa, coordinating with your care team and more.
Sign Up for MyChart
MyChart is the electronic medical record for Memorial Healthcare System. It's a secure patient portal that helps you manage your child’s care. You can view visit summaries, receive test results, request prescription refills and message your provider.
As a parent, you can request proxy access to your child’s MyChart account.
Gather Important Documents
To check in at the hospital, you'll need a form of photo identification and your insurance cards. Also, bring any other documents related to your child's condition or stay, such as:
- Doctor’s orders
- Insurance authorizations
- List of your child’s medications
- Referrals from other providers
Enroll in KidCierge™
KidCierge is our patient navigation program that can help you make appointments, find guest services and connect with area resources. If you need help managing your child’s care, let us know. We’re here to help.
Connect With Child Life
Our Child Life specialists can help your child understand their diagnosis and prepare for medical tests and procedures. We also offer Teddy Bear Tours of the hospital to show your child ahead of time what to expect during their stay. For more information, call the Child Life Department at 954-265-0171.
Review Our Support Services
During your stay, you have access to a range of support services. Many patients and families don’t take advantage of these services because they aren't aware they exist. Take a few minutes to review how we support patients and families and the support services we offer. If the need arises, don't hesitate to ask your care team to assist you when you are here.
Tour of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
What to Bring
Packing familiar items can help you and your child feel more comfortable during your stay. Here are some items you might want to pack for your child for their stay at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital:
- Blanket or quilt
- Books
- DVDs of your child’s favorite movies
- Electronic devices* (cellphone, tablet, laptop, handheld gaming console, earbuds and charging cords)
- Favorite pajamas and warm socks or slippers
- Nightlight*
- Snacks, if you do not have any dietary restrictions
- Stuffed animals, toys and games*
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and comb
If you are staying with your child, you may want to bring:
- Comfortable clothes, sleepwear, socks and slippers
- Electronic devices* (cellphone, tablet, laptop, earbuds and charging cords)
- Reading materials
- Snacks
- Soft blanket and pillow
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush and comb
*Our Facilities Department must approve any electrical devices for safety.
Prepare Your Child
A hospital visit can upend your child’s life — including their routine, diet and sleep patterns. They are in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by unfamiliar people, undergoing medical tests and procedures. Older children may also feel like they've lost their newly gained sense of independence and privacy.
How you prepare your child for their upcoming stay can affect their care experience. Each child is different. But in general, children want to understand what's happening to them and why. Open communication is best.
In addition, it may be helpful to:
- Have family discussions about the visit
- Let them know that their stay is only temporary
- Pack together, making sure to include their favorite items
- Provide reassurance that a parent or caregiver will be with them at all times or as much as possible, whichever is appropriate
Strategies to help your child prepare vary with age. Here are some suggestions:
Infants and Toddlers
- Young children want familiar people and objects around them. Make a plan to have round-the-clock caregiver support at the hospital.
- Reassure toddlers that going to the hospital is not a punishment for something they’ve done.
Preschoolers
- Talk to your preschool-age child three to five days before admission.
- Use simple terms and encourage them to ask questions.
- Use medical play with a doll or stuffed toy to help them understand upcoming procedures.
School-Age Children
- Talk to your school-age child one to two weeks before admission.
- Use simple terms and encourage them to ask questions.
- Coordinate a plan with your child’s teachers to help your child keep up with schoolwork.
Teens
- Talk to your teen as early as possible.
- Use simple terms but keep in mind that teens may hesitate to ask questions. Encourage them to engage with their medical team.
- Include them in care discussions and decisions.
- Assure them of their privacy.
- Help them maintain contact with peers.
- Coordinate a plan with your child’s teachers and counselors to help your child keep up with schoolwork.