When a child is ill or injured, families face challenges that extend well beyond their child’s medical care.
For families travelling away from home for treatment, time away from work, reduced income and ongoing household expenses can create significant financial pressure during an already difficult time.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with Lutheran Care to offer free, confidential financial counselling for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Adelaide.
Ronald McDonald House South & Central Australia CEO Melissa Monkhouse said the partnership provides much-needed practical support for families.
“When families are facing the uncertainty of their child’s illness or injury, financial worries can add another layer of stress. This partnership means we can offer practical support to help ease that burden, so families can focus on being together and supporting their child.”
Supporting families beyond accommodation
At Ronald McDonald House South & Central Australia, we know that keeping families close means more than providing a place to stay.
It’s about offering practical, emotional and everyday support to help families navigate some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
Through our partnership with Lutheran Care, families can access an experienced Financial Counsellor on-site at the House every Thursday.
The service helps families understand their financial rights and options, manage bills and debt, access financial assistance and navigate hardship arrangements with banks and other providers.
Importantly, families don’t need to be experiencing a financial crisis to seek support. Early conversations can help ease uncertainty and give families greater confidence in managing their finances.
Understanding the challenges families face
Lutheran Care’s Senior Practitioner Financial Wellbeing, Anna O’Loughlin, has been supporting families at the House since late May 2026.
With firsthand experience of staying at a Ronald McDonald House while her own son received medical treatment, Anna understands the financial and emotional pressures families can face.
From managing mortgage repayments when a parent is unable to work, to understanding available grants and government assistance, Anna provides practical, compassionate guidance tailored to each family’s circumstances.
Her message to families is simple: don’t wait until financial pressures become overwhelming before asking for help.
Working together
Our partnership with Lutheran Care reflects a shared commitment to supporting families with compassion, care and understanding.
By working together, we’re strengthening the network of support available to families, helping ease financial pressures so they can focus on what matters most – being together and close to the care their child needs.
Accessing financial counselling
Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent for families staying at Ronald McDonald House in Adelaide.
Families can speak with a member of our Family Services team to connect with the service, available every Thursday at the House.
Learn more about our Financial Counselling service