Supportive Guide For Families Living In The Hospital
Supportive Guide For Families Living In The Hospital
Being admitted unexpectedly or for a long hospital stay can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also parenting. If you are on 3-1200, you are not alone.
Although nothing about this stay feels normal, there are spaces, resources, and small comforts available to help make this experience a little easier for both you and your child.
This guide is here to help you feel more grounded and oriented during your stay.
The 3-1200 Antepartum Unit is located on the adult hospital floors at Strong Memorial Hospital.
The NICU tower entrance is located directly outside the doors of 3-1200, making it easier for families navigating both antepartum and NICU care. Nurses, social workers, and hospital staff are always available to answer questions, provide support, or help point you in the right direction.
The Wait With You Foundation created an activity cart for families staying on 3-1200 to use during visits with children.
The cart includes:
Board games
Puzzles
Bracelet-making kits
Sticker books
Coloring supplies
Magnatiles
Sensory and calming activities
These items are meant to help children feel more comfortable during hospital visits while giving families simple ways to spend time together either on the unit or throughout the hospital.
A Gentle Reminder
Hospital stays are hard on children and families.
Visits may feel emotional, overstimulating, or exhausting, especially when it is time to say goodbye. If things feel messy or overwhelming, you are not doing anything wrong.
Small moments of connection matter.
Main Lobby (Elmwood Ave): Primary entrance with information desk and public elevators
Emergency Department Entrance: Open 24/7
Golisano Children’s Hospital Entrance: Located off Crittenden Blvd near the Cancer Center
Knowing the entrances can be helpful when coordinating visitors or using food delivery services like DoorDash or Grubhub.
Cafeteria
Coffee shops
Gift shop
ATMs
Pharmacy services
Check-in desks
Imaging and radiology
Blood draw labs
Main bridge to Golisano Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Emergency Department
Pediatric inpatient floors
Family lounges
Child Life Program spaces
Adult inpatient units
ICU floors
Antepartum and OB units
NICU
Postpartum units
Strong Memorial Hospital has an attached parking garage with indoor access to the hospital.
If family or friends are visiting frequently, ask your nurse, social worker, or care coordinator about:
Parking passes
Discounted parking options
Transportation assistance
Many families do not realize they can ask for support during long hospital stays.
Ask your nurse, social worker, or care coordinator about:
Meal vouchers
Gas cards
Parking support
Lodging referrals
Medicaid transportation
Mental health resources
Lactation support
Parent peer support
FMLA or disability paperwork assistance
Strong Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital include several family-friendly spaces designed to help families take breaks, reset, or spend time together during long stays.
More detailed information about food options, nearby resources, and places to decompress will continue to be added here over time.