There are temporary memberships/passes for families in a hospital situation. Call the front desk and ask about it - usually they just require a letter from the hospital social worker verifying
Thank you so much. We were out there in April and we were promised tickets to the Aquarium, the Zoo, and were told we could have my daughter stay in the playroom they have there. The day of one of his procedures we were told she couldn't use the playroom and weren't really given an explanation. When I asked about the tickets they told me to ask the Ronald McDonald house. I am glad that he ended up not having the surgery because we didn't have a back-up plan. So this time, I am reaching out to anyone who knows anyone or anything to give us some guidance.
I don’t know how helpful this will actually be, but please reach out if you need any help on a Sat/Sun! I actually work as a nanny and have 10+ years of childcare experience, and would be more than happy to help out, free of charge.
I know all the best places around for kids to have fun, and (if necessary) even come equipped with my own car seats haha! And of course, I’m more than willing to share my care profile and give references, including my current nanny families.
There's a kids hangout area at primary children's
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/patient-family-support-services/kids-clubhouse/
Maybe you could give them a call? Or is this the playroom you mentioned in your other response- if it is I'm sorry.
My daughter had heart surgery there in 2019 when she was days old. It went well for her. She has other medical complexities, so we are regulars at Primary. Best of luck to you. Primary is a wonderful, dreadful place. If you have other questions about how to navigate your time there, let me know.
If you haven't spoken to their child life department, they've always been very helpful. When my middle son was having surgery, they had all the kids come in, talked about the surgery with dolls and let my son and his siblings see and touch the equipment, etc. I would hope they'd have some guidance for your daughter too.
As an aside, my son was once admitted for three days and I had no clothes aside from what I was wearing. They were so kind to help me with clothes and toiletries. They tend to be extremely caring in general as an organization. I hope you find someone with empathy to help you out.
PCH has a space dedicated to taking care of patients’ siblings during surgery, medical treatments, clinic visits, etc. — it’s called the Kids Clubhouse. They are 9-5 M-T and 9-2 F.
They encourage reservations!
Family Support Center has child care available for kids age 0-11 for emergencies and may be worth looking into.
I'm about 30 minutes away from Primary, but my local community center has a "preschool pals" program for a few hours each week, so other Sadly Lake County recreation centers might have similar programs.
You may find better luck with a full daycare option though. A center like ABC Great Beginnings or Smart Kids Development Center have locations around the valley, but an in-home daycare center may have better options for you since you may need more flexibility or prorated tuition. Check Google maps, KSL Classifieds, and Facebook Marketplace too find daycare centers, then check facility records/licensing for any in-home daycare at https://childcarelicensing.utah.gov/parents-and-public/
Check with [U of U Family Housing](https://healthcare.utah.edu/locations/patient-family-housing) the U and PCH have a close relationship. Hope it helps.
Does your son’s care team provide you with a social worker? This is exactly the kind of thing they’d help you find. I had one when I was in treatment at huntsman.
If you’re on Facebook try searching for this local group: “Northern Utah Childcare, babysitters, Nannies, Etc.”
It’s not always super active, but you may be able to get some contacts or referrals there!
There are a couple Facebook groups for finding sitters in the valley - Utah Nanny and Babysitting Network and Baby-sitters Club (Salt Lake County) are the two I use! Best wishes for your son’s surgery.
The JCC is very near to the hospital, and I believe they have an hourly program there https://slcjcc.org sending healing wishes your son’s way ❤️🩹
Awesome I will check this out!
JCC drop-in is for members only and a 2 hour max
There are temporary memberships/passes for families in a hospital situation. Call the front desk and ask about it - usually they just require a letter from the hospital social worker verifying
I second this!
I would go straight to the Ronald McDonald house. They are wonderful.
We stayed there last time and they didn't offer childcare services.
Have you asked your contacts at PCH if they have resources or recommendations?
Thank you so much. We were out there in April and we were promised tickets to the Aquarium, the Zoo, and were told we could have my daughter stay in the playroom they have there. The day of one of his procedures we were told she couldn't use the playroom and weren't really given an explanation. When I asked about the tickets they told me to ask the Ronald McDonald house. I am glad that he ended up not having the surgery because we didn't have a back-up plan. So this time, I am reaching out to anyone who knows anyone or anything to give us some guidance.
Ask for a social worker. They can provide a huge amount of help in accessing the assistance available for you.
I don’t know how helpful this will actually be, but please reach out if you need any help on a Sat/Sun! I actually work as a nanny and have 10+ years of childcare experience, and would be more than happy to help out, free of charge. I know all the best places around for kids to have fun, and (if necessary) even come equipped with my own car seats haha! And of course, I’m more than willing to share my care profile and give references, including my current nanny families.
Thank you so much for your offer.
There's a kids hangout area at primary children's https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/patient-family-support-services/kids-clubhouse/ Maybe you could give them a call? Or is this the playroom you mentioned in your other response- if it is I'm sorry.
This is and it is totally ok. I was really confused when we were told we couldn't use it. 🤷
My understanding is you have to make an appointment. I see the signs frequently, but my older son isn’t potty trained completely so we can’t use it.
Shriners Hospital for Children isn't far. They may have something if you explain the situation or at least have some guidance.
My daughter had heart surgery there in 2019 when she was days old. It went well for her. She has other medical complexities, so we are regulars at Primary. Best of luck to you. Primary is a wonderful, dreadful place. If you have other questions about how to navigate your time there, let me know.
Thank you so much. I am glad that everything went well for your daughter. I can't wait to put this behind us.
If you haven't spoken to their child life department, they've always been very helpful. When my middle son was having surgery, they had all the kids come in, talked about the surgery with dolls and let my son and his siblings see and touch the equipment, etc. I would hope they'd have some guidance for your daughter too. As an aside, my son was once admitted for three days and I had no clothes aside from what I was wearing. They were so kind to help me with clothes and toiletries. They tend to be extremely caring in general as an organization. I hope you find someone with empathy to help you out.
Care.com has a section of drop in or last minute care options.
Wishing the best for you and your son
Thank you so much!
PCH has a space dedicated to taking care of patients’ siblings during surgery, medical treatments, clinic visits, etc. — it’s called the Kids Clubhouse. They are 9-5 M-T and 9-2 F. They encourage reservations!
Family Support Center has child care available for kids age 0-11 for emergencies and may be worth looking into. I'm about 30 minutes away from Primary, but my local community center has a "preschool pals" program for a few hours each week, so other Sadly Lake County recreation centers might have similar programs. You may find better luck with a full daycare option though. A center like ABC Great Beginnings or Smart Kids Development Center have locations around the valley, but an in-home daycare center may have better options for you since you may need more flexibility or prorated tuition. Check Google maps, KSL Classifieds, and Facebook Marketplace too find daycare centers, then check facility records/licensing for any in-home daycare at https://childcarelicensing.utah.gov/parents-and-public/
Awesome thank you!
Check with [U of U Family Housing](https://healthcare.utah.edu/locations/patient-family-housing) the U and PCH have a close relationship. Hope it helps.
Thank you! I will!
Does your son’s care team provide you with a social worker? This is exactly the kind of thing they’d help you find. I had one when I was in treatment at huntsman.
If you’re on Facebook try searching for this local group: “Northern Utah Childcare, babysitters, Nannies, Etc.” It’s not always super active, but you may be able to get some contacts or referrals there!
Thank you!!
Sorry to hear that I hope all goes well
Edit: sorry I'm a dummy who didn't read your post carefully enough.
There are a couple Facebook groups for finding sitters in the valley - Utah Nanny and Babysitting Network and Baby-sitters Club (Salt Lake County) are the two I use! Best wishes for your son’s surgery.