Staff will do everything possible to accommodate all families as needed. Hospice care will take precedence and is not limited by a number of days. It is possible that more than two rooms may be devoted to end-of-life care at any given time. The staff will strive to always be flexible, accommodating families if at all possible. The combination of respite care and palliative care along with end of life and bereavement care is unique to Ryan House. The result will be a strengthening of the family, individuals in that family, and the entire circle of friends and relatives.

Back to Top

The Ronald McDonald House is a home-away-from-home for families who do not live in Phoenix, often not even in Arizona, but who come to Phoenix for medical treatment and attention needed by their child. The child may be in the hospital or at the House receiving out-patient care from the provider. There is no care given by staff at the House to the children; temporary comfortable living quarters are provided for the minimal cost per night. Stays are unlimited but usually average 5-7 days at a time. Families often stay at the House while the child is in the hospital, traveling back and forth for meals and a night’s sleep.

Back to Top

Ryan House can be used by any family who has a child with a life-threatening condition and resides in Arizona. The child will be cared for by professional staff and volunteers just as he/she is cared for at home. The family will get a break from the 24/7 care its child needs; they can stay at the house in a family guest room, or leave to take a vacation, or have a well-needed rest at home. Full responsibility will be assumed by Ryan House for up to 28 cost-free days a year. While respite care is the main concern, pediatric hospice care through end of life and bereavement also will be provided at this House. There will be a continuum of care to meet the needs of families who live with huge responsibilities as parents and siblings of these fragile children.

Back to Top

Stays at Ryan House are “on the house” for all the families. If reimbursement options are possible through the child’s insurance they will be explored, but there will be no out-of-pocket costs to families. As one might imagine, care of the type being offered at Ryan House would be cost-prohibitive for many families. The Board of Directors and volunteers have taken it upon themselves to defray these costs by raising the funds necessary to keep this policy in effect.

Back to Top

A child who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and has been cared for at home for at least four months will qualify to become part of the Ryan House family. Being a resident of Arizona is necessary for admittance, and priority will be given to children residing in Maricopa County.

Back to Top

Pediatric palliative care is medical care provided by a team which aims to identify and address the physical, psychological, spiritual and practical burdens of illness from a child’s perspective. It treats the child holistically. It is really a philosophy of care that can run concurrently with an organized, structured system of specific protocols that are part of a medical care plan.

Back to Top

Respite care is a gift of time. It is short-term care that helps a family take a break from the daily routine and stress of home care. It is an essential part of the overall support that families need to keep their child who has a life-limiting condition at home. It’s when someone gives the regular caregiver(s) “time off” which will help prevent burnout and family disintegration. Who takes care of the caretaker(s)? Respite care becomes a necessity, not a luxury. This care becomes the answer to renewed energies and a new perspective. Pediatric respite care is NOT available in our community: let’s make it happen!

Back to Top