The
Role of the Transplant Support Person
What is a support person?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires that every kidney
transplant candidate have a support person. The support person is a relative or
friend who is committed to helping you, the transplant candidate,
throughout the workup process, during your on-site evaluation, at the time of
your transplant surgery, and in the months following your transplant. The VHA also requires you to have a backup support person, in case your primary support
person is unavailable due to illness or other circumstance.
Why is a support person required?
Over the years, numerous studies have looked at the success rates of
transplant recipients. This research has shown that recipients who have good
social support tend to have better transplant outcomes than those who have no
social support. We know that unfortunately not all kidney transplants are 100%
successful and that some patients may experience complications. Having a caring
support person can make a big difference in your emotional well-being and in
helping you cope with any complications.
If I already have a support person, why do I need a backup support person?
Should your support person happen to be ill at the time of your transplant
surgery, we would ask that person to remain at home. We do not want others to
pass their illness onto you. Instead, your backup support person would
come to the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center with you and be your support person.
What does the VHA Directive say about support persons?
The VHA Directive requires ".a firm commitment from a relative and/or
a friend for support before, during, and after the transplant procedure. The
support person is expected to go to the VATC [VA Transplant Center] with the
patient for evaluation and the transplant episode, provide post-transplant
support, accompany the patient to follow-up appointments, assist with
medications, ensure compliance, and offer general assistance."
Who can be a support person?
The support person can be any person with whom you feel comfortable, such as
your spouse, partner, relative, or friend. This person must be committed to you
and your transplant success.
What should be considered when selecting a support person?
When deciding whom to choose for your support person, you will need to
consider the following:
- minimum age of 18
- must be available to attend the on-site evaluation with
you
- must be available to assist you at the time of
transplant
- must have no active substance abuse issues (no alcohol
or illicit drugs)
- prefer no drinking alcohol or smoking in your presence
- must be mentally and emotionally stable
What does the support person do at the on-site evaluation in Iowa City?
Before a candidate can be accepted for listing for a deceased donor
transplant or for a living donor transplant, the candidate and the candidate's
support person must have an initial evaluation at the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center. For
local candidates, the on-site evaluation usually can be completed in
conjunction with any of your other non-transplant appointments. All other
candidates will be in Iowa City for two to four days, depending upon the
candidate's dialysis schedule, flight arrangements, and the availability of
our staff. At this evaluation, the support person will:
- be in attendance
- attend any other required appointments
- join you in learning about kidney transplantation
- provide emotional support to you during the workup
process
- provide emotional support and encouragement to you
during the waiting period if your name is placed on the national transplant
waiting list
What does the support person do at the time of the transplant?
Your support person should be ready to accompany you to the Transplant
Center whenever you are called to transplant surgery. While in Iowa City
during the time of the transplant, your support person will:
- provide emotional support to you
- be available to assist you when needed
- attend any required appointments with you
- learn about your post-surgery medications with you
- assist you in memorizing your medications and
medication schedule
- learn with you about how to keep your new kidney
healthy
- assist you in learning how to prevent infections and
rejection
- assist you in memorizing how to check yourself for
signs of infection and rejection
- remain committed to stay with you until your transplant
physicians approve your return to home
- assist you with simple patient care and medication
administration
- encourage you to walk after surgery in order to avoid
blood clots, pneumonia, or other problems
- provide support and encouragement to you, especially if
your stay in Iowa City becomes extended due to medical complications
How long does the support person stay with me at the time of transplant?
The support person must be committed to stay with you for the entire time
you are in Iowa City. This time includes the day of surgery, your in-hospital
recuperation period, and your convalescent period at the nearby motel. The
average length of time you will be in Iowa City at the time of your transplant
generally is 3 weeks. However, if post-op complications arise, the length of
stay can be considerably longer, depending upon the number and nature of your
medical problem(s).
What role does the support person play in the months following my
transplant surgery?
In order to have a successful transplant outcome, you must be willing to
accept the support person as a part of your overall plan of care. Numerous
studies have proven that patients who have good social support tend to have
good transplant results. Your support person will play a vital role in helping
you maintain good health. In the months and years that follow your transplant
surgery, your support person will:
- encourage you to follow your medical treatment plan
- accompany you to your clinic visits
- assist you with learning any changes to your
medications, as they probably will be changed several times during your
first year after surgery
- encourage you to exercise regularly so you can avoid
the weight gain that sometimes is associated with certain medications
- encourage you to eat a healthy diet
- offer support and encouragement, especially if your
post-op course becomes difficult.
Does the VA pay for the travel expenses for the support person?
Your referring VAMC has referred you to our program, so they will pay for
your support person's travel expenses, as well as your own. If your support
person drives to Iowa City, he/she will be reimbursed by the referring VAMC at
a rate set by the VHA. If the referring VAMC has determined that your support
person should fly to Iowa City, then that VAMC will arrange and pay for the
flight. The VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center will pay for the shuttle service between the
Cedar Rapids Airport and Iowa City.
Who pays for my support person's lodging?
The VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center provides lodging for your support person at a nearby
motel. The motel has a shuttle service that provides free transportation
between the motel and the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center.
Will the VA pay for my support person's meals?
The VA will NOT pay for any meals for the support person during the
time of the on-site evaluation nor at the time of transplant. The support
person is expected to be prepared financially to handle all his/her meals and
nutritional needs. However, the motel we utilize has free continental
breakfasts daily and free evening snacks on weeknights. All other meals are
the responsibility of your support person.
What about other expenses?
The VA does not pay for or reimburse you or your support person for any
other expenses, including child care, laundry, or lost wages.
Will we be able to cash personal checks there?
You will find it very difficult to cash personal checks in Iowa City. Even
banks will refuse to honor out-of-state checks. Traveler's checks may be
your best option, because they can be cashed easily nearly anywhere and are
much safer than cash. In addition, the VA Iowa City Health Care System Medical Center has an ATM that accepts
Shazam, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Plus, and Cirrus.
Can other family members come with me at the time of my transplant?
Strong family support can be quite helpful to patients. However, the VA provides transportation and lodging only for the patient and one support
person. If you choose to have additional support persons, they must travel and
lodge at their own expense.
Can my family members stay in my hospital room with me at the time of my
transplant?
No. Visiting hours are 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Can my children come to Iowa City with me?
Because the hospital offers no activities to keep young children
entertained, most veterans arrange for their children to stay at home with
other family members.
Who can answer my other questions regarding my support person?
Contact our Transplant Social Worker at 319-338-0581, extension 6596, for
further information or assistance.
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The person you choose to be your support person will play a vital role in
your transplant success, as well as in your overall post-surgery plan of care.
Your support person will help you through your transplant workup, your
surgery, your recuperation period, and in the months and years following your
transplant. Your support person will provide the assistance and encouragement
needed to enhance your coping abilities and to help ensure your comfort and
safety. After your transplant, your support person will help you adhere to
your medical treatment plan, assist you with your medications, and accompany
you to your medical appointments. Your support person and your VA transplant
team will be dedicated to your good health and to your transplant success.
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