The Comfort of Transplant Houses: A Guide for Patients

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Mar 12 1:05pm | Kristin Eggebraaten | @keggebraaten

For transplant patients and their family, the journey to receiving their life-saving organ often involves travel away from home.  Traveling for medical reasons can involve logistical and financial challenges.

One way for patients to ease their financial burden and protect their immune systems is by choosing to stay at a transplant house.  This blog will help you understand the benefits of a transplant house, with a focus on the hospitality houses associated with the three Mayo Clinic Transplant Centers in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

CLEANLINESS

Transplant houses prioritize cleanliness of their rooms and common areas. They know how important this is to transplant patients’ success with their surgery and new organ.  While the houses do allow guests to have a caregiver stay with them, children and pets are not allowed to stay. By prohibiting children and pets, the houses further minimize the risk of exposure to additional germs, fostering a space conducive to healing.

FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP

People tell us one of their favorite things about staying in the transplant houses is the opportunity to connect with fellow patients. Everyone there is going through a similar situation, and it’s so helpful for transplant recipients to be able to meet and talk with those who have the same triumphs and struggles as they do. Often the guests at the house leave with lifelong friends that they didn’t expect. The houses have many commons areas for people to sit together, play games, watch television and visit in a group setting. The shared kitchens also give people the opportunity to eat together if they wish, which can save in meal expenses and help pass the time if you have a long wait at the house.

AFFORDABILITY

Transplant houses generally offer a more cost-effective lodging option compared to hotels. The houses sometimes charge a one-time cleaning fee for the extra cleaning that needs to be done during your stay, but the nightly charge is a significant cost savings for patients. Scholarships may be available for patients in financial hardship. Contact the house you are considering for more information.

LOCATION

Transplant houses are generally located very close to the hospital or clinic. Patients can enjoy a pleasant walk or use shuttle services to and from the hospital, reducing parking and transportation costs.

PEACE AND QUIET

Recognizing the need for tranquility, transplant houses provide private rooms and bathrooms for patients to read or just rest. The absence of pets and children means you can focus on quiet and calm time away from appointments and the hospital. The houses also have outdoor spaces with comfortable seating where you can relax and appreciate nature.

RULES

The transplant houses have special rules for guests regarding cleaning, noise, cooking, and visitors. Each house will provide you with these rules over the phone or during a pre-stay tour of the house. These rules may seem a bit strict, especially regarding guests, but these guidelines are designed to protect the well-being of patients and their transplanted organs. Understanding the policies and adhering to them is an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all the guests.

The transplant houses, especially those associated with Mayo Clinic, provide patients a warm and welcoming place to stay while you are undergoing testing pre-transplant, coming back for your annual evaluations, or staying in town after your surgery. The houses understand transplant patients and their struggles and triumphs and are willing to help whenever necessary. The houses are a cost-effective, convenient and clean place to consider for lodging during your transplant journey.

You can find out more information about the transplant houses that partner with Mayo Clinic using the link below.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s Transplant Houses
• Explore Mayo’s Transplant Center
• Request an appointment.