Caring for someone receiving CAR T-cell therapy can be demanding. Learn strategies to help care partners stay healthy while supporting their loved one. 

Make self-care a priority

It’s easy to forget your own needs when focused on being a care partner, but self-care is essential. Consider:

• Taking breaks during the day for rest or a short walk
• Eating nutritious meals
• Scheduling regular checkups with your doctor
• Doing activities you enjoy when you can

Caring for your own health allows you to be a better support person.

Build a team to share responsibilities

Caregiving doesn’t need to be done alone. Involve family, friends, neighbors, or community members to create a caregiving team. Tasks can be divided, such as:

• Meal preparation
• Childcare
• Driving to appointments
• Providing emotional support

This team approach helps prevent burnout.

Plan ahead for caregiving tasks

Organize caregiving tasks using calendars or apps that can be shared with the team. Plan for:

• Transportation and lodging near the treatment center
• Daily care, like medication reminders or help with hygiene
• Monitoring for side effects

Planning ahead helps reduce stress when unexpected situations arise.

Adjusting to temporary relationship changes

Being a care partner can shift the relationship between you and your loved one, especially if you are caring for a spouse, partner, or parent. Open communication, shared problem-solving, and balancing caregiving with enjoyable activities can help maintain connection and independence for both of you.

Find support for yourself 

Helping a loved one receive CAR-T for myeloma can be emotionally overwhelming. Reaching out to a professional for support, such as a mental health therapist, can provide you with effective coping skills. You can also confide in a trusted friend or family member to support you emotionally. 

Join a caregiver support group or connect with other caregivers through organizations like HealthTree Connect. Speaking with others in similar situations can provide relief and helpful advice. 

Becoming an advocate

Learning about myeloma can empower you and reduce fear as you support your loved one with CAR T-cell therapy. Here are some ways to learn more:

• Watch HealthTree University videos about CAR-T for myeloma
• Read additional HealthTree resources about CAR-T
• Stay updated with the latest myeloma news from HealthTree articles
• Help your loved one create a HealthTree account
• Join a HealthTree Community Group
• Explore the HealthTree Coach Program to connect with myeloma patients or care partners who have CAR-T experience
• Attend upcoming expert webinars or watch previous recordings to learn from specialists
• Read “What to Ask Your Doctor”