Seriously ill or injured children often need to spend weeks or months in a hospital for necessary treatment. It is not only an incredibly long time to be away from home but also for a family to be divided– usually mother at the bedside with the sick child leaving father and extended relatives taking care of siblings. When a family is focused on the health of their child, wellbeing of other family members may be neglected — the health, living conditions and emotional status of the caretakers, the welfare of siblings, etc. The Ronald McDonald House®, prided itself as the “home away from home” for families with sick children, is mandated to help families to overcome these issues.
Face the Weight of Illness Together
Families are stronger together, especially when they are facing illness. The concept of family-centered care has long been popular in the North America. According to research, with the support and love from immediate loved ones, the hospitalized child tends to feel less lonely, cope better and heal faster. While keeping life as intact and normal as possible is important for child patients, it is equally important for caretakers who care for the sick child around the clock. A network of support can help relieve the emotional stress. Keeping siblings close by can also help normalize life and maintain the psychosocial wellbeing for the hospitalized child.
Hassle-free Access to the Best Medical Care
With the proximity advantage– 4 minutes from the Prince of Wales Hospital, parents staying at the Ronald McDonald House, can concentrate in caring for their sick children while saving time from the frequent commuting to and fro hospital. Staying at the Ronald McDonald House, parents are allowed to continue with their usual domestic routines such as buying grocery, cooking meals, doing laundry and going to work and school without much interruption. Do not underestimate these routines and structures as– they are essential in restoring a sense of normalcy in life. Staying close to the medical experts, they can also better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed.
Comprehensive Facilities for Families at Little or No Cost
We understand that among all the stressors, finance is one of their big worries when families are facing with enormous medical bills. To lessen their financial burden, the Ronald McDonald House accepts in-need families regardless of their financial background. While a small donation of HK$70/night is recommended, families who are less economically able can discuss with our staff if there are more difficulties. All families at the 23-bedroom House can enjoy a well-equipped kitchen, library, dining room, living room, study room, outdoor and indoor play area, laundry and an special-needs room, specially designed for families with post bone marrow transplant child patients so children with suppressed immune system who require quarantine can stay together with their family.
The House Love Built
Besides the physical support, the Ronald McDonald House also offers invaluable support through a network of volunteers, donors, staff and families who encounter similar ordeals. Regular volunteer playgroups, English classes, Art classes, Yoga classes, festival celebrations, and birthday parties are often the highlight of our children’s day. Supermarket gift vouchers, new and unbroken toys, or daily organic vegetables can put a smile on their face. The mutual support from other families and a simple sharing of the newest healthy recipe can energize them. Many child patients met their first friend at the Ronald McDonald House. Their neighbor next door keeps them company while they are undergoing treatment at the hospital or healing at the House. No children at the House would tease at their recent hair loss; instead, they would cheer for each other and applaud for a day when you finish your meal with a good appetite. A little community has come alive and it is carefully maintained by all the committed volunteers and staff, generous donors, and families with similar experience.
