Preparing Your Child for a Hospital Stay
At Golisano Children's Hospital, we recognize that a hospital can be a confusing and frightening place for children. In addition to providing excellent medical care, we are committed to helping children cope in a positive way. Our healthcare team is dedicated to making sure you and your child are comfortable and that you receive the best care possible, at all times.
Child Life Specialists
The Child Life Specialists at Golisano Children's Hospital are available to help children and families prepare for and cope with the healthcare experience. We provide pre-admission tours and opportunities for play, self-expression, and support.
To contact a child life specialist, please ask your nurse or call the child life office at (585) 275-9878.
Tips for Parents
You are your child's best support. Talking honestly and openly is an important way to inform and reassure your child about the visit to the hospital. Keep in mind that children can sense the feelings of people around them. If you feel comfortable and well informed before the hospital visit, your child will also.
Your child's age can also help you decide when to first talk about the hospital visit:
- Children under 6 seem to cope best when they are told one or two days ahead of time.
- Older children (over 6) can be told about one week before the visit. This gives them time to prepare and ask questions.
- Teens usually like to be told as soon as possible that they will have to visit the hospital. They tend to cope best when they can plan ahead and be involved in making decisions.
Here are some other tips that will help you prepare your child for a hospital stay.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about your child's condition or would like information about a test or treatment the Ask A Medical Librarian (AAML) service offered by the Edward G. Miner Library at the University of Rochester Medical Center will provide it for you.
