Care Partner Responsibilities and Support

A care partner is a person who supports and assists another individual with a health condition in meeting their needs. 

Care partners play an essential role in providing both practical and emotional support. They help manage appointments and medications, and offer encouragement during difficult days. Care partners are a vital part of the care team, and recognizing their responsibilities, challenges, and strengths is key to ensuring both the patient and the care partner feel supported along the way.

What does being a care partner look like 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to being a care partner. Your role depends on the needs of the person receiving care and your skills and abilities to assist them.  

Practical Support for Daily Needs
Care partners often step in to help with daily activities that may be difficult for the person receiving care. This can include:

• Administering medication. Organizing pill boxes, tracking doses, giving reminders, and monitoring for side effects.
• Helping with meals. Grocery shopping, preparing food, assisting with eating, or adjusting recipes to fit dietary needs.
• Mobility support. Helping with walking, safely transferring from a bed or chair, or helping with the use of assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
• Personal hygiene. Assisting with bathing, grooming, or dressing.
• Household management. Cleaning around the house, doing laundry, or running errands.

Emotional Support
In addition to physical tasks, care partners provide encouragement and reassurance. This may look like:

• Active listening. Being present and allowing the person being cared for to share their feelings without judgment, and validating their experiences.
• Encouragement. Offering words of hope during tough times and celebrating small victories. 
• Companionship. Spending time together doing relaxing activities, like watching a favorite show, reading aloud, playing games, or enjoying the outdoors.

Advocacy
Care partners are also often advocates in the healthcare system. This can include:

• Attending medical appointments. Taking notes, asking questions, and ensuring that concerns are addressed.
• Coordinating care. Keeping track of multiple appointments, medications, or treatments.
• Speaking up for needs and wishes. Helping ensure the patient’s voice is heard, especially when navigating complex medical decisions.
• Navigating insurance and resources. Assisting with paperwork and finding resources and support services that improve access to care.

Communication is key

An important part of being a care partner is finding the right balance between helping and allowing the person you care for to maintain their independence. While it can feel natural to step in and do everything, giving the person space to make their own choices and manage tasks when possible is also important. 

Things may change over time, and the role of a care partner can shift. Setting clear boundaries and expectations is a helpful way to maintain independence and ensure that everyone's wishes, concerns, and feelings are heard and respected.  By keeping an open dialogue, care partners create a supportive environment where the patient feels empowered to make healthcare decisions with confidence. 

Self-care for care partners

The responsibilities of being a care partner can take a toll over time.  It is important to take time to rest, eat well, and maintain your own health so that you can continue to provide the best support possible. It’s also important to nurture your own emotional well-being. Seek support from friends, join care partner groups, or speak with a counselor when needed. Taking small breaks like going on a short walk, calling a friend, or taking a moment of quiet can help restore your energy. 

Reaching out for support can also make a big difference in your ability to provide care. This may look like asking family or friends to share responsibilities such as preparing meals, driving to appointments, or simply sitting with the person you care for so you can take a break.  

By caring for yourself, you are not only protecting your own health but also ensuring you have the strength and resilience to be present for the person you are caring for. 

Click the link below to join Connect to Cures and hear insights from other care partners.

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Sources: 

• Care partner: A concept analysis 
• HealthTree Caring for the Caregiver: Effective Stress Management Strategies