A liver transplant is a long and sometimes challenging journey; it can help to understand what to expect and plan for what’s next. From evaluation through life after transplant, Texas Children’s provides you with information to guide you and support to help your family every step along the way.
What to Expect: FAQs
A family member will be allowed and encouraged to stay in the room. Most patient rooms have a day bed and bathroom for family use. Intensive care areas have a waiting room for a family member to sleep (see specific unit info for more detail).
Your social worker can help you research numerous lodging options. Many families choose to stay at the Houston-area Ronald McDonald House which is about 1 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.
Another option for liver transplant patients and their families isNora’s Home. Nora’s Home offers affordable lodging for pre-transplant and post-transplant patients who travel to any of the Texas Medical Center transplant centers. Short-term lease apartments within 2 to 3 miles of the hospital also are available.
Sometimes. It’s important to check your insurance plan’s coverage when it comes to relocation — some insurance plans provide financial assistance, some do not. Contact your insurance provider to determine what provisions (e.g., oxygen and feeding supplies) will be covered upon relocation.
If you’re on Medicaid, a social worker may be of assistance in arranging alternative housing as well. Many area hotels and the Ronald McDonald House participate in Texas Medicaid’s housing program. Medicaid may help cover the cost if you need a hotel room while the transplant candidate is in the intensive care unit, after release from the hospital, if it is medically necessary for you to stay in the area.
