Caring for the Caregiver: A Holistic Approach
Caregiver = Care Partner
Why do we say care partner? The IMF sees caregivers as the patient's partner throughout the myeloma journey. Care partners walk alongside their loved ones and help them live well with myeloma. The words "You have cancer" are devastating for the patient and their loved ones. The care partner, along with the patient, is thrust into an unfamiliar world of medical treatments, terminology, and appointments. The care partner is often needed to help the patient cope, even while trying to cope with health-related changes of their loved one who has myeloma. Commonly, the care partner takes on the role of:
- Learning about the complexities of multiple myeloma and treatment
- Managing schedules and daily tasks that were previously shared
- Attending to insurance-related issues
- Making important financial decisions
- Planning for and assisting with the patient’s needs day-to-day while managing their own needs
If this sounds overwhelming, it is. But the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is here for you!
This is why the IMF has created this Care Partner section. We encourage to navigate the links on the left-hand sidebar of this page to begin your journey. Also, consider reaching out to our InfoLine team if you need more information. To become more connected with other care partners, become a member of the Care Partners-Only support group.
Myeloma Made Simple: Care Partners (Caregivers) Made Simple | What Is a Care Partner?
Discover the vital role of care partners in supporting individuals with myeloma. In this video, IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael is joined by IMF Vice President of Support Groups Robin Tuohy who is also a care partner to her spouse Michael. Together, they highlight the importance of care partners, explore their challenges and responsibilities, and provide valuable insights on how care partners can best support their loved ones.
Palliative Care
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Palliative care may be needed at any time during treatment but is most often needed at the end stage of the disease. When a patient has tried and exhausted the full range of approved and experimental treatments available, and the myeloma has become refractory or resistant to treatment, it’s time to weigh in on the pros and cons of continuing versus stopping treatment. Each patient must make the decision on their own.
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