Frequently Asked Questions

What is respite care?

Respite care is a gift of time: short-term care that helps a family take a break from the daily routine and stress of home care. It is the solution for renewed energies and new perspectives. Regular “time off” for caregivers is essential to help prevent burnout and family disintegration. Respite care becomes a necessity, not a luxury.  At Ryan House, respite care is scheduled for 24-hour periods including overnight.

What is palliative care?

Pediatric palliative care is both a philosophy and a practicum of care that aims to holistically identify and address the physical, psychosocial, spiritual and emotional elements of care for both the child and the family. Its primary goals are to enhance quality of life, minimize suffering, optimize functions and provide opportunities for personal growth. For more on this subject, click here.

How does a child qualify to stay at Ryan House?

Generally speaking, any Arizona child from birth to age 16 diagnosed with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition and who is currently being cared for at home is eligible. A call to our Care Team (602.200.0767) is the first step in determining if Ryan House is the right fit for a child and family’s specific situation. Many factors, including the child’s individual diagnosis, course of illness, and the family’s wishes, will be considered when the team at Ryan House evaluates referrals.

How does Ryan House differ from Ronald McDonald House?

Ronald McDonald House welcomes families while their child visits area hospitals to receive medical treatment. Children stay at Ryan House – at times with their families, but also on their own – while parents enjoy a short break and kids are engaged by our care team and a variety of activities offered on-site.

Do the children or the parents receive respite?

Both, really. Children stay at Ryan House and enjoy a break from their at-home environment. Parents are encouraged to stay at Ryan House the first 24 hours, enjoying a full night’s sleep and teaching staff how to meet the specific needs of their child. Parents are then welcome to continue to stay, return home, go on vacation, etc.

Can children stay for a couple of hours at a time?

No. Ryan House only provides overnight respite stays.

How long can a child stay at Ryan House?

Respite stays are permitted for up to 28 days of use per family per year, however end-of-life care is not limited by number of days.

How many children and families can stay at Ryan House at one time?

There are eight individualized children’s bedrooms. There are accommodations for three families to stay in the family suites, however there is a day bed available in each child’s room for further need.

Who will be the child’s primary physician while they stay at Ryan House?

The child’s primary care physician will maintain their role as care provider. The Ryan House medical director is available to be the “eyes/ears” of the primary care physician, as needed.

Families of children who come to Ryan House will be asked for a recent History and Physical from the primary care physician’s office for the purposes of verifying medication as well as recent significant events. Ryan House will also request that Physician Orders and a Psychosocial Summary be received from the primary care physician’s office at least 24 hours in advance.

When the child is at Ryan House for a visit, the care team, under the direction of the Medical Director and Clinical Team Leader, will continue the child’s healthcare routines, as the family would at home.

The primary care physician’s office will receive a “Summary of Stay” after the child’s scheduled visit.

What happens if a child develops an illness or signs of sickness while staying at Ryan House?

Each time a family brings their child for a stay, the “Statement of Family Wishes” will be updated. Family will be contacted first and the care team will follow Family Wishes. The primary care physician will not be on call.

Will children on ventilators be able to come to Ryan House?

Yes. If a child can be managed at home, they can be managed at Ryan House. Families will bring all the needed equipment, supplies, and medication for their child.

Can siblings utilize the art, music, sensory, computer, playground, and hydrotherapy services?

Absolutely. Siblings are a vital part of every family. When parents come to stay, siblings are encouraged to stay also. During their stay, siblings are welcome to participate in activities with the supervision of a parent or volunteer.

If our child receives therapy at home, may the therapist come to Ryan House to provide service?

Maybe. If your child receives in-home services, the therapist is welcome to continue weekly therapies at Ryan House, however transportation will not be provided for outside therapies. The child may resume their regular PT/OT/SLT appointments following their scheduled stay at Ryan House.

Our child receives in- home respite nursing.  Will the nurse be able to come to Ryan House to care for my child?

The care team at Ryan House, including registered nurses, provides care in place of the care you or your respite nurse provides your child at home. Families are encouraged to stay for at least the first visit, and are always welcome, to educate the care team about their child, his/her care routines, likes/dislikes, and to get to know the team as well. Your child’s respite nursing may resume at home after the scheduled stay.

Will schoolwork continue while a child is at Ryan House?

Ryan House realizes that school and class can be a sense of normalcy for children with life-threatening conditions. While away from class, children will be encouraged to work on any schoolwork they bring with them.

Can a child who is 16 stay at Ryan House?

Yes. While services will be aimed for children from birth through 16, referrals will be considered. Please call Ryan House at 602.200.0767 if you would like to receive brochures, quarterly newsletters, or to schedule a Liaison visit to your office.

How much does it cost to stay at Ryan House?

Ryan House is entirely donor-supported and families have no out-of-pocket costs for stays.  We welcome any and all donations, including those from families who visit that would like to contribute.