Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Ronald McDonald Family Room?
A Family Room is a welcoming, home-like space for families, just steps away from their children in the hospital. The Family Room provides family members and other caregivers a place where they can relax, prepare a meal, have a snack, or rest while preparing for the emotional and mental demands of having a child in the hospital.
What is the difference between the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
The Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee provides accommodations for families who have a child receiving medical treatment at a local area hospital, primarily Children’s Wisconsin or Rogers Behavioral Health. The House has 70 guest rooms with private bathrooms and common living, play and kitchen spaces.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room will offer many of the same amenities (our Family Room will not have sleeping quarters) just steps away from a child’s bedside on the campus of Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc.
Both deliver family-centered, compassionate care to those with children facing physical or behavioral health challenges.
Why is RMHC® Eastern WI working with Rogers Behavioral Health to open a Family Room?
Our House is one of the first within the Global Charity System to partner with a behavioral health hospital to serve families in need of local accommodations while seeking treatment. While the House is closer to Rogers than the homes of the families we care for, we are still 25 miles away. The Family Room will provide guest families and others who are a part of a Rogers patient’s treatment plan a place to rest and recharge without a commute.
What amenities does the Family Room offer?
Our Family Room offers a number of amenities including:
- Indoor and outdoor play areas
- Entertainment (TV, video games, board games, etc.)
- Complimentary snacks and beverages
- Kitchen and dining area
- Quiet Room
- Shower Suite
- Washer/Dryer
- Creativity and meeting space
- Wi-Fi
Who is eligible to use the Family Room?
The Family Room may be used by parents, grandparents, guardians, siblings, or other support persons of pediatric patients at Rogers Behavioral Health. Anyone under the age of 18 must have adult supervision; children are not allowed to use the Family Room without an adult present.
Do families need to pay to use the Family Room?
No, the Family Room is completely funded by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. and Rogers Behavioral Health. Those using the Family Room will have the opportunity to donate if they are able.
Is the Family Room part of a child’s treatment?
While having family members nearby while supporting a patient receiving treatment has proven to have a positive impact on their recovery, the Family Room is a non-clinical environment and, as such, does not allow medical consultation or treatment on the premises.
How can I support the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
Our Ronald McDonald Family Room will offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. You can also help by donating items from our Family Room Wish List (coming soon) or by making a monetary gift to help us furnish and operate this valuable new space for families being served by Rogers Behavioral Health.
