7 Helpful tips for transplant recipients to save and manage money
Medication
Buy medication: use online pharmacies to buy OTC products, buy in bulk and save on delivery. Buy regular brand medications
Check Amazon and internet before purchasing medication to see price differences.
This is especially key for OTC medications such supplements and probiotics which are often cheaper online rather than in pharmacies.
Keep scripts with you
Pharmacies sometimes keep prescriptions as a way to incentivise customers to get their foot in the door and repeat business
Keep your prescriptions with you and request the chemist only to fill in paper prescriptions or e scripts only when necessary
Side note (e scripts are preferred over than paper scripts)
Food
Parramatta mission for emergency meals
Pack food from home on long clinic appts
This may be hard to do espeicially since clinic is exhausting already however certain recipes are easy.
Sandwiches and wraps as well as pizza are easy to keep so you don’t need to spend money from the cafeteria foods
Food hacks
Frozen meal recipe hack
Will need 1 frozen meal eg chicken schnitzel apron $5
Tortilla wraps
Take the chicken schnitzel and cut into strips. Use this as filling for the tortilla wrap
Will make approx 2-3 wraps
Add any sauce/dressings
Great for long clinic days
Clothing
Hospital and clinic appointments are messy
Side effects of medication can cause diarrhoea, stomach upset which can ruin clothing.
Treatment from drugs can also stain clothing. It is a good option to try and have two sets of clothing. For women there is also the challenge if needing another set of formal wear/work clothing . Look for formal clothes in Vinnies or second hand stores whenever you can to save $$
Charities such as:
Offer clothing at reduced prices for employment and formal occasions.
Allied health services
Ask GP for referral to a hospital for allied health services for services when possible, these include :
Psychologist
Dietitian
Transplant patients often have extra medical bills due, due to medication, and hospitalisation stays. If you are having trouble paying regular bills check with
Transport
Use community transport when possible
Book in advance
This is cheaper than Uber – still pay a fee however it is usually half and saves the hassle of public transport especially for things such as doctors appointment or treatment.
Socialising
Many patients limit socialisation simply due to the cost.
Eg unable to eat out or afford lunch, coffee, dinner.
Be open and honest with friends about your financial situation and suggest catchups such as a potluck, and make dishes at home.
Volunteer together.
Volunteering is a great way to help the community, meet people and often have free meals for the volunteers.
Bills/Accommodation
Patients often struggle with the day to day bills because their employment situation has changed – unable to work as much as they can, or in the job they used to because of their medical condition. This results in them struggling to pay bills.
Contact hospital social worker, they can put you in touch with charities such as
Legalaid
Contact your bank or lenders if you are struggling to pay your mortgage immediately to discuss options like temporary repayment pauses, reduced payments, or extending your loan term. Early communication prevents default, protects your credit score, and shows proactive management. Free, confidential advice is available from a financial counsellor at the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007).
Hope some of these tips are of help!
With love
Luna x
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