I need a support person

[godspeed]

Does anyone know of a program that offers a support person after I get my transplant? I do not have a lot of money so I could not afford a home health aid. But I am a veteran and maybe they could pay. I just would like to find out if there is a program offered for my need. Thnak.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi Godspeed,

First of all, thank you for your service to our country! Veterans are so important and deserve the best care.

Let me welcome you to our community. You will find wonderful, knowledgeable, supportive people here who will always reach back to you.

I am not an expert on transplants, but I will suggest that you speak to your doctor at the VA facility where you are being treated and ask for the name of the person who coordinates patient services to review all services available to you pre, during and post surgery. Most facilities should offer a social worker, dietician, transportation and hopefully home assistance services among other things.

If not available through the VA, they should be able to connect you with a coordinator in your local hospital who can provide you with the support and answers that you need.

Friends of mine are

both veterans who receive medical services through the VA which is 40 minutes away. During a period of illness, the VA was able to arrange services for her at our local hospital.

Additionally, check other communities here as I believe there is one for transplant patients.

Please know that you are never alone. Reach out at any time and one of us will always reach back.

Let us know what you come up with.

Stay strong and safe!

It will all be good.

Bet

[Jayhawker]

I’m not sure if this would work for you but will share with the hope that it may generate some ideas that may work.

I’m awaiting a transplant. I’m turning 67 this summer. I am single, never married, and live alone. I’m the last person alive in my family.

Since I’m waiting for a deceased donor kidney it’s impossible to preplan when I’ll need help post-transplant for recovery. Thus it’s nearly impossible to have people lined up to come and stay with me 24/7 for up to two weeks post transplant. I wanted something I could count on etc...

I’m planning to be released from the hospital to a hospital to home program where I’ll stay for 7-10 days. My transplant team has approved this. I’m still working and so have medical insurance through my workplace. But I will also enroll in Medicare part A at the beginning of August this summer. (I had to wait 6 months after my last HSA contribution...) The financial coordinator at the transplant center says that the combination of my health insurance and Medicare part A will cover the costs for the hospital to home program.

Have you talked with the financial coordinator at the transplant center about options to help with care post transplant? I’m thinking specifically from a financial perspective with that question.

Jayhawker

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Jayhawker]

God Bless!

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Kidney Transplant is available here. Go to the 4 dots and hit the search button, or the glass on the far right.

Check it out.

B.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

godspeed,

Go to the top left of this page. There are 9 dots. Click on it which will bring you to search. Type in

Kidney Transplant..

It will bring you to the Kidney Transplant Community.

Members have shared some great suggestions here.

It will all be good.

Reach back to us.

B..

[My_Kidneys]

Veteran websites about kidney transplants and personal support.

va.gov/health/services/rena...

socialwork.va.gov/socialwor...