CARE PARTNERS
Daily living
Meal preparation, shopping, errands, or securing transportation.
Physical assistance
Assistance with bathing, dressing, or mobility.
Care partners walk alongside their loved ones to help them live well with myeloma. Care partners are individuals who provide essential physical, emotional, and practical support to patients with myeloma. A care partner can be a spouse, family member, friend, or hired helper. Many myeloma patients have a primary care partner plus an extended network of additional support.
Emotional support
“Care partner” or “caregiver”
Modeling and encouraging healthy behaviors such as exercising, smoking cessation, and eating a balanced diet.
The IMF’s use of the term “care partner” reflects the individual nature of the myeloma journey. Many patients are now living better and longer, and a patient and their care partner each can be a giver and a receiver of care along this journey, supporting each other in a true partnership.
When a care partner is needed
Care partners may play an essential role by providing support along the entire myeloma care continuum or at pivotal points: intermittently (e.g., at weekly treatment), for a short time (e.g., at an appointment), or for an extended time (e.g., during a stem cell transplant). Certain events may require more care partner support: W hen education and decision-making are needed (e.g., a start or a change in treatment). During treatment, especially when receiving a transplant, CAR T-cell therapy, or bispecifics. When a procedure includes sedation.
How a care partner can help
Some research shows that patients with strong care partner support tend to have improved longevity and mental health than those without such support. Although each partnership is unique, care partners can assist patients in many ways, including the following:
Providing a listening ear, a source of comfort, companionship, and encouragement.
Myeloma knowledge
Learning about the complexities of myeloma and its treatment options. Helping with patient empowerment.
Healthy lifestyle
Patient advocacy
Navigating health insurance, accessing support services, and addressing barriers to care.
Financial decisions
Assisting with financial decisions. Some care partners may be designated as having legal power of attorney.
Building a partnership
Honest communication is the foundation of a bond between a patient and a care partner. Acknowledging your need for assistance can be humbling, especially if you’re used to caring for others. Communicate your feelings, concerns, needs, and responsibilities to prevent conflicts. Accept help graciously. Understand that caregiving can be stressful and isolating. Encourage your care partner to maintain their self-care, friendships, and interests. Embrace flexibility and adapt to changing circumstances. A relationship between a patient and a care partner can flourish, growing stronger and more resilient.
Use the QR code below or visit carepartners.myeloma.org for more information.
Scheduling appointments, accompanying the patient, helping to ask questions, or taking notes during appointments.
Medication management
Organizing medications and schedules, keeping track of refills and reminders, and reporting side effects to the healthcare team.
The IMF urges you to discuss all medical issues with a doctor, and to contact the IMF InfoLine with myeloma-related questions and concerns.
International Myeloma Foundation
4400 Coldwater Canyon Avenue #300 – Studio City, CA 91604 1.818.487.7455 TheIMF@myeloma.org myeloma.org
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Medical appointments