The Lied Transplant Center offers a unique approach to care called cooperative care, which focuses on the needs of patients through the use of family and friends who receive training to become care partners. Care partners care for the patient during the patient’s hospitalization. The care partner may be responsible for taking vital signs, drawing blood from a line, giving intravenous medications and notifying the nurse when there is a change in the patient’s condition. The care partner also assists with daily activities, monitors and assists with self-medication, escorts patients to and from treatment, and attends educational sessions with the patient. The cooperative care environment allows patients and care partners to learn the skills they will need when they return home. Care partners and patients stay in a comfortable home-like setting that includes a private bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchenette and two TVs/VCRs. Meals are provided to the patient and care partner without additional charge. They also have access to a variety of amenities including a Patient Resource Center supplied with books, magazines, videos, game videos and computers; an exercise room and private dining room.