Bone Marrow Transplant |
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Allogeneic Transplant Guide: The Caregiver's Role
All patients undergoing an allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplant (BMT) are required to have an identified person who can assist them after they are discharged from the hospital. We call this person the "Caregiver." In order to be approved for an allogeneic BMT each patient must identify a person or persons who can fulfill the responsibilities of the Caregiver outlined below.
Provide Emotional Support
Most patients will have periods of feeling discouraged and/or depressed during their recovery from BMT. It is important for the Caregiver to encourage the patient during these periods and to recognize and report changes in mood to the medical team.
Provide Physical Care
There are often periods of time after BMT when patients need assistance caring for themselves. The Caregiver must be able to assist with the following activities:
- Care of the central venous catheter
- Administering medications, both pills and injections as directed
- Recording and keeping track of which medications were taken and when
- Administering medication and/or fluids by intravenous pump devices
- Assisting the patient with shopping
- Keeping family and friends up-to-date on the patient's condition
- Maintaining a clean home environment after discharge from the hospital
- Preparing food for the patient
- Providing transportation for medical care
Gather and Report Information
The Caregiver will be given information about signs and symptoms to report to the medical team. It is important that the Caregiver be able to identify changes in the patient's condition and report them promptly.
Most patients require frequent visits to the outpatient clinic after they are discharged from the hospital. Patients should plan on two to three visits per week, lasting three to six hours each visit during the first three months after their BMT. Most patients require weekly visits for the next month, followed by visits every other week for the next month. If patients do not have serious complications by the sixth month, they generally should come in for visits at least monthly thereafter. Often patients have complications within the first six months, which require readmission into the hospital. All patients require more frequent visits to the clinic following a hospital admission.
The Caregiver should be someone who knows the patient well and is very committed to the patient. This person must be available to perform most, if not all, of the functions described above. The person must be available to accompany the patient to their doctor's appointments and be able to stay with the patient most of the hours of the day and night.
It is recommended that the patient also identify a second person to assume the Caregiver responsibilities during periods when the primary Caregiver is ill or not available.
10 Tips for Caregivers
Caregivers have their own needs and problems, which can add to the stresses already present. The National Family Caregivers Association offers the following tips for caregivers:
Choose to take charge of your life and don't let you loved one's illness or disability always take center stage. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you. Watch out for signs of depression in yourself, and don't delay getting professional help when you need it. When people offer to help, accept help and suggest specific things that they can do. Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering. There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they will lead you in the right direction. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
More Information:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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