What is a Care Partner?

CAR T Cell Therapy Support Network

There is a wide network of people that may be part of a patient’s support team.

Healthcare Team

  • May include oncologists, nurses and advanced practice providers, social workers, and pharmacists
  • Provide healthcare and supportive care, coordinate treatment, and manage medications and side effects

Care Partner(s)

  • May include family members and close friends; sometimes a primary and support care partner
  • Provide practical, emotional, and healthcare support, such as monitoring for symptoms

Support Community

  • May include family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, support groups, community members, hired help, and more
  • Provide additional support for the patient and care partners, such as childcare, eldercare, house or pet sitting, meal prep, transportation, and laundry

Although there may be one primary care partner to closely follow the CAR T process with the patient, some patients may have multiple care partners or have times where care partners alternate support.

What is a Care Partner?

Care partners are an important part of the care team for someone undergoing CAR T cell therapy. Care partners, also known as caregivers, provide practical and emotional support throughout the treatment journey. Patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy will be under the care of highly trained medical professionals, however, care partners may also help with healthcare support, such as monitoring for any symptoms or side effects.

"Being there for a loved one, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.."
Jean   / CAR T Cell Therapy Care Partner

Care Partner Testimonial (play video)

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Typical Characteristics of Care Partners

  • Family members or close friends
  • ≥18 years of age
  • Physically able to travel to and from treatment centers
  • May need to take time off work
  • Able to make travel arrangements
  • Responsible
  • Positive, calm, and flexible
  • Understands what is required and able to recognize potential side effects in the patient

What questions should I ask before becoming a care partner?

To learn more, click on the sections below.

  • How much time can I expect to dedicate and for how long will I be in this role?
  • Who can take on my role as care partner if I am unavailable?
  • Am I emotionally able to support the patient through their treatment and recovery?
  • Would asking another family member to share the care partner role be helpful?
  • Who can I reach out to for additional support (family, friends, neighbors, community members, etc)? 
  • Can I take time off from work if needed?
  • Do I need to apply for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or any other type of family medical leave?
  • How will I cover my expenses if I am taking off from work?
  • Will I be able to help arrange transportation to appointments?
  • Where will I stay while the patient receives treatment?
  • What do I need to bring in the case of an emergency?
  • Do I have someone who can care for my family, pets, and household in my absence?
  • What will I do for meals during treatment?
  • Who will be my strongest support during this time?
  • What do I need to learn about CAR T cell therapy to be a good care partner?
  • What concerns and questions do I have, and who can I contact to clear them up?

How can a care partner take care of themselves?

As a care partner, you are a significant part of the patient's CAR T cell therapy journey. It is important to take care of yourself – nutrition and rest are just as essential for the care partner as they are for the patient.

  • It is okay to alternate care partners if you have another important commitment or need to take a break. Coordinate with friends and family to ensure the patient has coverage while you get the help and support you need
  • Reach out to your network for help with things like child or pet care, meal preparation, transportation, and household tasks
  • If you ever feel like you need more help, talk with the patient's doctor, nurse, social worker, or the treatment center

Support

All links below open in a new tab.

CAR T Patient and Caregiver Guide (PDF)

Frankly Speaking About Cancer: A Program of the Cancer Support Community

Support Services  External

Lymphoma Research Foundation

Resources

Care Partner Guide for CAR T Cell Therapy (PDF)

Learn more about the CAR T cell therapy process and the role of the care partner.

Symptom Monitoring Guide for Care Partners (PDF)

Learn more about monitoring a patient who has received CAR T cell therapy for
side effects.