FAQs

• Be a parent, legal guardian or primary caregiver of a child being treated at a partner hospital who is 21 years or younger.
• Families must occupy a room for a minimum of one night and can stay with us for as many nights as their child is receiving continuous care. Continuous care is defined as inpatient or residential treatment, or at least 3 days with outpatient appointments per week.

New guest families: 

RMHC^® Eastern Wisconsin will need a referral. The Family Services team will contact the family five days prior to the anticipated arrival. Same day referrals must be submitted by 7:00 p.m.

For Children’s Wisconsin:

• Contact the Children’s Wisconsin Patient Relations Department (414.266.3465) or the child’s social worker to have the referral submitted. A signed release of information will also be required upon check in.

For Rogers Behavioral Health:

• Contact the Rogers Behavioral Health intake specialist, social worker, program manager, or care coordinator to have the referral submitted. A signed release of information will also be required.
• All families receiving care at any Rogers Behavioral Health location are also welcome to visit our Ronald McDonald Family Room. Families do not need to be staying overnight at the House to visit the Family Room. The Family Room is located on the Rogers Behavioral Health campus in Oconomowoc and is open seven days/week from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For all other local hospital partners:

• Contact a member of the care team at the hospital where the child is being treated. The medical personnel can request the referral form from referrals@rmhc-easternwi.org. A signed release of information will also be required upon check in.

Once the referral is submitted to RMHC Eastern Wisconsin, the family will be added to a waiting list. A Family Services staff member will call the family five days prior to requested arrival to confirm all information provided. Any questions can be directed to the Family Services Team at 414.935.6510.

Returning guest families:

If a family has stayed at RMHC Eastern Wisconsin within the last 2 years, the primary caregiver may self-refer for the same patient and same hospital by submitting an online form. The family will then be placed on the waiting list and contacted by Family Services five days prior to arrival. A new referral will be required if a different child is receiving care, if the hospital partner has changed or if it has been a year since the referral was submitted.

Check In:

We are unable to take reservations because we never know how long a child may need to receive medical care.

Families on the Waiting List will be contacted by our Family Services Team on the morning they are looking to begin their stay between 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CST to confirm room availability.

Families may check-in between the hours of 3:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Please allow at least 30 minutes for the check-in process, which includes an orientation, tour and paperwork. Check-ins must be completed by 8:30 p.m. (RMHC Eastern Wisconsin does not have 24 hour overnight check-ins).

One room per patient family.

Each person 18 years of age or older staying overnight at RMHC Eastern Wisconsin must present a valid photo identification upon check-in.

We require everyone staying to be infection-free. Families will receive intake forms to complete prior to check-in.

We have a suggested donation of $20 per night, however no family is ever turned away if they are unable to pay.

Family Expectations:

It is expected that the family use the room every 24 hours.

Upon discharge from the hospital or completion of treatment plan, families are expected to check-out of RMHC.

• If the child needs to remain in the area, RMHC Eastern Wisconsin requires written documentation from the medical team.

Every guest must abide by the House Policies, signed prior to or upon arrival.

There is only one guest room assigned per patient family, including divorce or separation situations.

The building and grounds of the House are drug and smoke-free.

Families must be respectful and tolerant of other families who are equally concerned about the well-being of their children.

Visit our House Policies page.

Please contact Family Services at 414.935.6510 or view our virtual House tour.

There is only one guest room assigned per patient family, including divorce or separation situations.

In compliance with fire code regulations for the city of Wauwatosa, no more than five people may stay in a room (three adults maximum).

Each family staying at the House is assigned one guest room which includes a private bathroom. Guest rooms are assigned by guest preference and room availability. This also applies to our ADA compliant rooms.

• Potential sleeping arrangements include:
  • Queen and twin
  • Queen and twin pullout chair

Extra air mattresses, cots, pack ‘n plays and cribs are available upon request and as available.

Linens and towels are provided. Families may bring their own personal items from home.

There are fully equipped community kitchens and dining areas. Families have access to pantries that provide an assortment of food choices, as well as our meal program that provides regular meals. Families will have designated refrigerator and pantry space to store their personal items.

Families are responsible for maintaining their rooms’ cleanliness and doing their own laundry.  There are washers, dryers, detergent and dryer sheets provided at no cost.

Free parking is available.

There is a free van service staffed by volunteers to provide transportation to and from Children’s Wisconsin. The van will pick up and drop off families in the front of the hospital main entrance. The schedule is posted at the front desk.

The House is staffed 24/7. Overnight security is provided from 10:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.

There are free passes to local museums and other attractions available to check out on a first come first served basis.