What is the difference between the Ronald McDonald Houses and the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City has three Ronald McDonald Houses located on Cherry Street in the midtown area of Kansas City. Ronald McDonald Houses provide temporary lodging for families who have a child receiving medical treatment at any medical facility in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Houses have 80 individual guest rooms with private baths and common living rooms, play areas, and kitchen space. The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are smaller ‘houses’ within both Children’s Mercy Hospital and Overland Park Regional Medical Center (OPRMC). They serve any family who has a child in the ICU. The Ronald McDonald Family Room in Children’s Mercy has seven guest sleeping rooms with shower facilities and a common living room and kitchen space. The Ronald McDonald Family Room in OPRMC has four sleeping rooms, a common living room, kitchen space, laundry, and shower facilities.
Who can stay at the Houses?
Families with a patient 21 or younger treated at an area medical facility. Families living 35 miles or more from RMHC have priority to stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses. Click here to request a room at the Ronald McDonald House – Kansas City.
What are the check-in/check-out times and guidelines at the Houses?
You can schedule your check-in time when you complete your request to stay. Check-out is at 10 a.m. A family must check out the day that their child is dismissed from treatment by the medical staff. Due to our long waitlist, we will request a family to check out if they do not intend to use the room significantly.
How many people can stay?
One room can be assigned per family (based on availability at time of request). Because of the fire code, a maximum of six people may stay in each room. Parents are welcome to bring the patient child’s siblings to the House, but daycare is not provided. An adult must supervise children at all times while at the House.
How much does it cost?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City relies on donations to provide temporary lodging. While it costs RMHC-KC $100 a night to house a family, we only ask our guests to make a donation of $10 per night. If your child has Medicaid, we may be able to be reimbursed through your child’s health plan. No family will ever be turned away due to their inability to make a donation.
Is shuttle service or transportation provided to my child’s medical facility?
We encourage families to arrange their own transportation to and from the medical facilities, but we understand there are those times when no personal vehicle is available. Children’s Mercy (CMH) is within walking distance of the Houses, but CMH’s security has offered to provide transportation to their facility, as they are available. As funds allow, RMHC is able to provide limited taxi service to other medical facilities.
May I have visitors at the House?
Visitors are always welcome at our House when the guest who is residing with us is present. We ask that visitors abide by visiting hours between 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Guests are responsible for their visitors who also must comply with House policies.
What do I need to bring with me to the House and Family Room?
Bring what you would normally bring when you travel to a hotel/motel (i.e. clothes, personal grooming items, cell phone). We understand, however, that you may have been in a hurry when leaving home. Don’t worry. Chances are we have the personal item you forgot at home. We also have laundry facilities and detergent that is free of charge.
Is it possible to get more than one room?
Due to the long waiting lists, only one room per family can be assigned.
Is there computer access?
We have computers at all three locations that you may use for personal use. Our facilities are also wireless, so please feel free to bring your laptop.
Is food available?
A variety of dry and fresh food is provided to families at no cost. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, plus snacks. Refrigeration and a secure, locked pantry area are provided to each family to store their personal food items at the Houses.
Does RMHC-KC provide childcare?
RMHC-KC does not provide childcare at any of our locations. Children under the age of 18 cannot be left unattended at the House or Family Room.
If I’m staying at the House, can I access services at the Family Room as well?
Yes. If your child is inpatient at Children’s Mercy Hospital, please make yourself at home in the Family Room. We understand that it is not always convenient to come back to the House for a meal so feel free to grab a bite in the Family Room. Since the guest sleep rooms are limited in the Family Room, we don’t allow families to occupy a guest room at both the House and the Family Room.
Who can access the Family Room and overnight rooms?
Any Family that has a child in the ICUs can access the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Families can step away from the ICUs, grab a hot cup of coffee, a snack, or just relax in our space. Families that have a child in the ICU can request an overnight sleep room. Please see the front desk to ask about availability.
Is it possible to get more than one bedroom in the Family Room?
Only one bedroom can be assigned per family.
How many people can stay in an overnight room in the Family Room?
Because of the fire code, only two people may stay in each bedroom.
Who can use the Family Room’s laundry and shower facilities?
Families of ICU children may use the laundry or shower facilities.