Planning Your Stay

The kidney transplant process can be a long and difficult path for families. Here is what you’ll need to know.

Prior to transplant, your child will require monthly visits to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for lab work while on the waiting list. During this time, your child can be followed by a Texas Children’s nephrologist or can be followed by a local nephrologist in your area.

All families must be available 24 hours a day when waiting for a transplant. Patients and parents must be able to get to Texas Children’s within three hours of receiving a call that a kidney is available.

After your child receives a kidney it is best to stay in the Houston area for 4 to 6 weeks. There will be frequent clinic visits and blood work.

It is important to contact your insurance provider to determine your plan coverage and what supplies such as oxygen and feeding supplies will be covered upon relocation. Some insurance plans may provide financial assistance for relocation.

Your social worker or the Texas Children’s Hospital social worker can help you research available housing options near the hospital. Many families choose to stay at the Houston-area Ronald McDonald House, which is approximately one mile from the Texas Medical Center. The Ronald McDonald House offers a home away from home for families of children undergoing treatment at the Texas Medical Center and provides affordable rates and transportation to the medical center.

Short-term lease apartments within two to three miles of the hospital also are available.