Individual Appointments

We recognize that living with a heart transplant affects your lifestyle in many ways. Our social workers offer support for patients and their family members by providing guidance, counseling and help identifying resources. Some of the issues you may want to discuss or need assistance with include:

• Coping with the impact of living with a chronic illness
• Approaching decisions around care
• Identification of caregivers and the development of a solid network of support
• Planning for the care of dependents
• Exploring housing options close to the hospital and clinics
• Planning for transportation to clinic visits
• Financial stressors
• Insurance concerns
• Challenges paying for prescriptions and/or medical bills
• Substance abuse
• Returning to work or school
• Disability
• Quality of life issues
• Relationship and family issues
• Identification of community support services and resources

Following VAD implantation or heart transplantation, your social worker will continue to be available to meet with you during your clinic visits, whenever you are hospitalized, or by appointment. He or she will assist you in developing a long-term strategy to help you adjust to living with your new heart or VAD.