CARE PARTNERS
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.
“Care partner” or “caregiver”
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:
When 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:
Medical appointments
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.
Daily living
Meal preparation, shopping, errands, or securing transportation.
Physical assistance
Assistance with bathing, dressing, or mobility.
Emotional support
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
Modeling and encouraging healthy behaviors such as exercising, smoking cessation, and eating a balanced diet.
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.
As always, the IMF urges you to discuss all medical issues with your doctor and to contact the IMF InfoLine with your myeloma-related questions and concerns at 1.818.487.7455 or InfoLine@myelomaorg . Use this QR code or visit carepartners.myeloma.org for more information.
myeloma.org