My son is recovering in an ICU far from where I live. I’ve been traveling back and forth for weeks, and I’m starting to see how financially devastating this situation is. Are there support programs or grants people use for this? Even gas money and hotel stays are starting to drain me.
I had a friend who utilized the Ronald Mcdonald house when her son was born with a severe heart defect and required a complicated surgery at only a few weeks old. (Had to go to a specialized hospital far from where they lived too for it)
Definitely ask the hospital for referrals or information.
I reached out to the Ronald McDonald house here and they informed me since my son is 24 they couldn't help, they limit to being 21yrs and younger.
Ah, my apologies. Didn't realize your son wasn't a minor.
Sorry that's the only one I'm familiar with but I hope you find some relief and I hope your son recovers well. I suppose if all else fails you can try a go fund me.
No worries!! Yeah we started a GoFundMe me. Trying to get enough karma here to post it. Been sharing all over FB and Instagram. Hopefully I can get it on reddit soon
When our daughter was in hospital, we were allowed to rent one of the Dr's on-call rooms in the nurse's residence. It was much cheaper than staying in a budget hotel. Perhaps ask patient liason whether this would be a possibility.
I wish you and your son all the best. xxx
Ask around hospital staff if they know of a room to rent anywhere.
That sucks! It shouldn't matter the age of YOUR child! :(
That's what I was thinking! I also got laid off my job back in April and just started a new one last week in the midst of his accident
Check with the hospital. They might have an arrangement with nearby hotels to offer discounted rates.
and check with your insurance, and credit cards, sometimes they have benefits
This organization might be able to help you with gas
Thanks I'll check it out
Ask the bedside nurse to place a social work consult for financial resources. Connecting people with resources is a huge part of their job. Best of luck to you and your family.
Absolutely this. Ask for a social worker at the hospital. They have resources that people just don't know about.
My guess they just incur into more debt... Hope you find the help you need and your loved one gets better!
If you live in the western US this organization might be able to help you with flights and hotels
Thanks, I live on the east coast and my son lives in the Midwest. Been traveling back and forth for the past month
outside of the orgs that focus on that, some hospitals have partnerships with nearby hotels for discounts.
I hate to ask this but have you considered having him transported to a hospital in your region? I'm not sure if that's an option but this type of situation must come up often enough that someone knows that answer.
Just to expand on this, I Was reading in another subreddit that someone posted in a local RV message board asking for help and more than one person donated their time and RV to help transport someone's ailing grandmother. You'd obviously need clearance from his doctors and someone would have to monitor the transport.
He lives in KS and I'm in FL. Insurance will deny and transfers since he's not stable yet. It's sad 😢
When my sister had a similar problem I worked with the local Residence Inn for a long term rate and basic room. We got the price down to a very nice price.
Good to know, may have to try this!
I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. I do not have much to add but have found that depending on area and availability, some Airbnb/VRBO hosts will give discounts if you stay for an extended period of time (even if they do not actively advertise as much). This was years ago but I had to travel to NC for a month for some CE training and since I booked for a full month the host gave me a 25% discount.
Regardless I wish you all the best and for your son to have a speedy and thorough recovery
Thanks! It's going to be a long long recovery for him. Lots of traveling back and forth for me. Def will look into the Airbnb monthly options.
Not sure what country you are in but in Canada the Rotary Club has some hotels that offer cheap rooms. I highly recommend them.
Hi, I'm in the US
When I’ve been in this situation, I’ve stayed at the place of the person that is in the hospital because even if they don’t have space for guests, their home space/bed is available.
He didn't have his own place per say. Wish he did as that would be nice
Look into Healthcare Hospitality Network. Also, check with the hospital your son is staying at. Many times, they can help with options for you.
Thanks, they gave me a list morels/hotels, not much help. I need to dig some more, gotta be someone here that will help
Some hospitals have hotels nearby that give better rates if referred
Where does your son live? Can you stay there? Most hotels near a hospital have hospital rates. You can ask at the hospital for a voucher.
The Ronald McDonald house is for this
Unfortunately, the RM house here only allows families if the child is under 21.
Gotcha. That seems like what most resources are.
Are you part of a church in Kansas? If so, they might have a location in Florida that could plug you into some local resources. I feel like putting someone up in a spare room would be something a church would do.
I don't like airbnb as a company but they do sometimes offer free housing for people in crisis. Generally it's like people in a natural disaster or something, but you could reach out and ask.
If you've been staying at a specific hotel you might also ask if they would be able to offer you a discount for being there a lot. You could also call around and see if any hotels would give you a discount.
So sorry this is happening to you.
There are small local charities along the same lines too. Definitely ask at the hospital, they can help you.
Supposed to meet up with the social worker tomorrow, I will def be asking about this.
In UK.
When my daughter was in PICU 1.5hrs from home, I was put up by the Sick Children's Trust. I had access to kitchen and laundry facilities within the hospital grounds for the duration of my daughters illness.
I reckon it still cost an extra £500 per month for me to be there, as I was shopping at the hospital's M&S and buying food to go, as I was too overwhelmed to cook and travelling back home to see my son, who was 2 at the time.
I don't know the answer but send you the best.
I hope he has a smooth recovery.
Thanks. We have been here a month already in ICU
I support the Fisher House Foundation, which is similar to the idea of the Ronald McDonald House but for military families. I know that's something very specific, but hope there are less well-known organizations that can offer aid to families and it's more of an issue to look and find them.
Hi there is your son in the military or a veteran? I might have some information that can help
Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes early age so was unable to go to the military.
I think that’s what the Ronald McDonald House charity does https://rmhc.org/
This is the answer. Great organization.