Bone Marrow Transplant

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The Caregiver Role

People who undergo a transplant need a personal caregiver to help with their treatment and recovery. Your caregiver should be a responsible family member or friend who can provide physical care, observation and emotional support for you throughout the transplant process. As part of planning ahead for your transplant, it is important to decide who can be your caregiver.

Caregiver Responsibilities

Typical caregivers help in these ways:

  • Making arrangements, such as transportation to and from the clinic
  • Providing emotional support
  • Providing physical care
    • Helping the patient with administration of oral medications
    • Taking care of your central intravenous line  
    • Recording medications you take
    • Giving intravenous fluids and medications using a pump device
    • Identifying changes in your condition 
    • Obtaining medical care if needed
    • Reporting symptoms to healthcare staff
  • Maintaining the home environment
    • Cleaning
    • Preparing food
  • Gathering information
  • Serving as a communication link with other family members and friends

Preparing to be a Caregiver

Our staff will help your caregiver prepare with classes that cover topics such as food safety, care at home and long-term recovery. Individualized instruction is provided about your medications and other topics. We also provide extensive, detailed written materials and helpful information about support groups for caregivers, organized by our social work service.

Transition Services offers individual education and helps with planning for the care of your transplant recipient at home after a transplant.

Support for Caregivers

Caregivers of a transplant recipient need to take care of themselves as well. We provide support for caregivers through support groups and individual appointments with social workers and pastors.

The “Patient & Caregiver Resource Manual” that you will receive when you arrive in Seattle for transplant includes resources and suggestions that will help you take care of yourself and other family members during this stressful and challenging time.

Volunteer Services for Patients and Their Families

In addition, you can ask for the support of a Patient Family Volunteer. Volunteers can offer companionship and practical assistance for families and caregivers of patients who are from outside Western Washington and have no local support.

A volunteer can meet you and your family at the airport when you arrive and provide transportation for grocery shopping and errands. Volunteers will also join you and your family for social activities such as movies, sightseeing or restaurant meals, or will take children and teens on outings to give you a break. Contact the director of Volunteer Services at (206) 288-1071 for more information.