What Is a Caregiver’s Role for Someone with CLL? 

Watching your loved one experience CLL, including its treatments, can be challenging. Below are some considerations about what the person with CLL may need help with and recommendations to support you in your role as their care partner. 

How May a Caregiver’s Role for a Person with CLL Change Over Time? 

Your role may change over time based on the needs of the CLL patient. For example, suppose the person with CLL does not yet require treatment and is simply observing the illness with their doctor (often called the “watch and wait” period). 

In that case, your role may be to help provide emotional support and learn about CLL to prepare for the treatment decision-making process if it does arrive. 

If the CLL progresses to the point that treatment is needed, your role may move to helping watch for symptoms of side effects and encouraging your loved one to notify their healthcare team so they can receive side effect management. 

If you would like to share your experience about being a CLL care partner, please email cll@healthtree.org.