Host Family Program

The Gift of Life-Arizona Host Family Program is a very important part the total project and is designed to only include the child and one (1) parent or escort. Without this part of the project, it is very likely that the medical intervention could not be provided because of the inability for a needy child and a parent, to stay for an extended period of time that is required for Pre-Surgical, Surgical and Post-Surgical intervention. Usually, the time of stay required is three to six weeks. However, there can be situations where some extended time is required because of necessary additional medical attention.

Because this is a Project of the Rotary Clubs of Arizona Districts 5490, 5500 and 5510, it is preferred to have Rotarian families support and participate. However, this is not always feasible and therefore sometimes a Non-Rotarian family is needed and is most appreciated.

To make sure that you and your family have the necessary time and ability to be a Host Family, please review the information below. Then, assuming that you are able to meet these needs click on “DONATIONS AND CONTACT US” on the left side and fill in the information needed.

HOST FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pre-Surgical:

1. Host Family to meet the child and parent (or escort) at the airport or place of arrival in Phoenix, AZ, then take the child and parent home and try to make them feel welcomed and wanted as temporary members of your family.
2. Check on current inoculations/vaccinations.
3. Provide doctor, hospital staff and family members with host family names, address and telephone numbers. Obtain essential medical personnel names and telephone numbers. Obtain the name and telephone number of the interpreter if one is needed.
4. Maintain daily contact with child/family throughout preliminary procedure(s) in person.
5. Advise Gift of Life-Arizona’s liaison of any problems. A member of the Board of Directors of Gift of Life-Arizona will be assigned.

Surgical:

1. Be with the child/family on day of surgery to offer moral support and to assist with hospital check-in.
2. Check with hospital staff on status of child.
3. Assist child with ordering hospital meals.
4. Notify Gift of Life-Arizona liaison of developments.
5. Visit patient as often as possible during hospital stay.

Post-Surgical:

1. The parent should be able to stay at the hospital for the duration of child’s visit. Host family should provide every effort to assure that patient’s stay is comfortable. Advise parent on location of cafeteria and showers. Provide part with meal and incidental expense money while child is in hospital (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed by Gift of Life-Arizona).
2. Upon discharge, obtain instructions for home care of the child from medical personnel at the hospital (i.e. medication, diet, etc.) (Gift of Life will reimburse for cost of medicines)
3. Provide transportation around town for doctor’s appointments.
4. Care giving should ideally be from the child’s parent and should be aided by the host family to insure appropriate care and give support to the parent.

Departure:

1. Once the doctor has given approval for the child to go home, notify the Gift of Life-Arizona liaison.
2. Ensure safe and timely departure of child and parent. Advise Gift of Life-Arizona liaison so return transportation arrangements may be made.

Should the above be agreeable, then please click on “DONATIONS AND CONTACT US” and fill in the necessary information.

The Gift of Life-Arizona Board Members appreciates your interest in being a HOST FAMILY for a needy child and a parent. THANK YOU!!!