Hospital Hospitality Houses
Many area hospitals have family housing available for free or a reasonable rate. Contact the social worker at the hospital for more information as to what may be available.
I’ve seen a few posts where some of our members have to go to a hospital that is not close to where they live. Sometimes you may find help with that.
We went to Boston where I had my laryngectomy in 1996. We live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Luckily, we did find cheap housing accommodations but, a few years ago, after I retired, I started volunteering for a hospital hospitality house, National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses. On their website, http://www.nahhh.org/ , you can look for a house near where you need to go to the hospital.
The one, where I volunteer, is for adult patients (where Ronald McDonald Houses are for child patients). They are considerably cheaper than hotels–even the ones with a medical discount. Here is how this one works. There is no maid service—you make your own beds, clean your own room, do your own laundry, buy your own food and cook it in the communal kitchen. They DO ask for a daily donation–so you are perfectly welcome to give more than they ask. If you can’t afford what they ask, then give what you can. They have fund raisers to help people who need it.
You also need a referral from your doctor so they know you are not just passing through for vacations. If the patient is IN the hospital, the family members can stay at the House. If the patient is at the hospital on an out-patient basis, they can stay at the House during their treatments.
I’m sure each House has it’s own way of doing things, but I think it would be worthwhile checking them out.
Vicki Metz Lary since 1996
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
ACS Hope Lodges
Who is eligible to stay at a Hope Lodge?
In general, Hope Lodge is available to patients and caregivers
actively undergoing cancer treatment on an outpatient basis. Patients
must live at least 40 miles or a one-hour drive time away from the
treatment facility. Priority is given to patients needing three or more
nights of lodging. Patients must be at least 18 years old (exceptions
are made at some locations) and be independently mobile in the event of
an emergency. Patients are not screened for any financial or demographic
criteria. Please visit the page for your desired location for complete
eligibility criteria.
How much does it cost to stay at Hope Lodge?
There is no cost to stay at any American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.
What kind of environment can I expect at Hope Lodge?
Hope Lodge offers private guest rooms and bathrooms. Each facility is designed for a shared experience in every other aspect of life. Lodges feature common areas, including full kitchens, laundry facilities, cancer resource rooms, and areas for quiet reflection. Hope Lodge is a place where you can count on emotional support from other patients and caregivers who also are undergoing treatment. Guests rally around each other, building life-affirming connections and lifetime friendships.
Information on Hope Lodge can be accessed here:
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html
We went to Boston where I had my laryngectomy in 1996. We live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Luckily, we did find cheap housing accommodations but, a few years ago, after I retired, I started volunteering for a hospital hospitality house, National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses. On their website, http://www.nahhh.org/ , you can look for a house near where you need to go to the hospital.
The one, where I volunteer, is for adult patients (where Ronald McDonald Houses are for child patients). They are considerably cheaper than hotels–even the ones with a medical discount. Here is how this one works. There is no maid service—you make your own beds, clean your own room, do your own laundry, buy your own food and cook it in the communal kitchen. They DO ask for a daily donation–so you are perfectly welcome to give more than they ask. If you can’t afford what they ask, then give what you can. They have fund raisers to help people who need it.
You also need a referral from your doctor so they know you are not just passing through for vacations. If the patient is IN the hospital, the family members can stay at the House. If the patient is at the hospital on an out-patient basis, they can stay at the House during their treatments.
I’m sure each House has it’s own way of doing things, but I think it would be worthwhile checking them out.
Vicki Metz
Lary since 1996
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
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