Sick call: Between ridiculously cold weather and the flu season, it’s a wonder anyone has shown up for anything lately, including work or school. But on the flu front, here’s something that might help working parents who get stuck at home when kids are sick.
Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan calls it Pediatric Sick Bay. Condell Medical Center in Libertyville dubs its program Nanny for a Day. It’s called Healthy Hugs at Lake Forest Hospital. And Highland Park Hospital terms it Loving Arms.
Empathizing with parents who must work but are reluctant to leave their sick children, Loving Arms coordinator Beverly Crowley said, “This way, people feel safe.”
Except for Condell, which sends its caregiver to a client’s home, the programs provide food, bed and a place to play usually in or adjacent to the pediatric wards. All the programs accept infants through children aged 12. Costs vary according to hours used and children’s ages but generally run $30 to $40 a day. Most require pre-registration, but once registered, families often call the morning they need help.