Hospital lessons learned
I spent most of the week this week with one of my daughters who was in the hospital. She is only 6. While I was there, I learned several things from the social worker on staff. We went there suddenly, I only had $7 in my pocket. She has been sick several weeks, so I have been off work-a single parent, and money is tight. I told her all this-and she said no problem--
#1. The hospital (and she said this was true for most) has good available for parents who are staying with small children. Every morning a couple of resteraunts sent over muffins, juice and donuts.
#2. The hospital had a washer and dryer for parents use. they also put extra towels in her room so I could use her shower.
#3. Several area resturants also donate supper items-so parents had free supper every night. some of the local grocery stores also send over day old bread and stuff for sandwhiches.
#4 the hospital had a "ronald mcdonald room". It had beds, showers and a kitchen area for parents to stay at free of charge who could not afford a hotel, (only 1 parent could sleep in the childs room at night-but the other can go to the ronald room-or just not sleep and sit in a chair all night)
#5 we were from out of town, and she had some calling cards i could use to call family to notify them. (could not use the cell phone in the hospital and she would not let me leave her room to go outside to call)
#6. she gave me the name of local agencies, who will help parents make bills meet due to a sick child as they are missing work. Hopefully this will cover next months house payment and electric and water.
#7. i learned, i need to build my savings up at least triple what i had it at before to cover emergencys. dont tie it up in bonds or cds--leave some where you can get it. i also had $500 i keep in the house for emergencies (i did not take it with me-forgot to) but that is now my gas, milk and copayment money for awhile. my last check was a half check on 4-22. i wont probably get a check again till the end of may-providing she continues to improve.
#8. since i will be out of work for more than 30 days, i lose my health insurance. she helped to to fill out paperwork to go on state health insurance for 60 days. when that expires, i will be back on my own insurance again. hopefully i will be back to work mid may, and get my insurance back by june 1 or july 1.
#9 she gave me a $10 prepaid gas card to get gas to get us back home again. vehicle was on empty when we got there (hospital is 69 miles from home)
so, if you find yourself in a situation such as this--go to the hospital social worker. the woman was wonderful.
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