Support When You Need It
Heart transplantation and VAD surgery are both major medical procedures that can have a profound and lasting effect on people. At various points throughout the heart failure treatment process you will likely have questions or concerns that should be addressed. At Stanford Hospital, you will have access to a licensed and trained social worker who will provide counseling and psychotherapy. In addition to individual appointments with your social worker, we encourage you to meet and share experiences with other patients through our support groups.
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.
Support Groups
Heart Transplant Patient and Caregiver Support Group
When: Last Monday of every month (excluding holidays)
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm
Where: Stanford Hospital - 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305, Ground Floor Conference Room HC004A
For more information please contact Cathy Miller, LCSW: 650.723.5581 or Melissa Calnon, MSW: 650.721.2319
Caregiver Solid Organ Transplant Support Group Meeting
When: The 2nd Wednesday of every other month (excluding holidays)
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Where: Stanford Hospital - 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305 Room: H327
For more information please contact Caitlin West, MSW: 650.493.4440 or Melissa Calnon, MSW: 650.721.2319
Additional Resources
Stanford Hospital also offers of a variety of educational and support resources for patients and their loved ones.
- Stanford Health Library »
Stanford Health Library provides scientifically-based medical information to help people make informed decisions about their health and health care. All of the services are free
Location: Floor 3, E Wing, Stanford Hospital - Guest Services »
Guest Services offers many programs to serve the needs of patients and our local community and can assist our guests with any needs, concerns or requests. Call (650) 498-3333 or call 8-3333 from a hospital phone. - Spiritual Care Services »
Whether you are a Stanford Hospital patient, family member, friend or staff member, Spiritual Care Service is here to compassionately accompany you with: listening; open-hearted conversation about hope, gratitude, fear, connection and meaning; a calm presence; prayers and blessings; and connecting you to your faith tradition through our staff, volunteers and referrals to community resources.
