Caregivers are critical to the United States (US) Health Care system as more procedures are moved outpatient and home care is required. Yet they must deal with the emotional toll of the responsibilities, the financial impact of being a caregiver and the accompanying negative emotions. Often times, caregivers are required to perform tasks previously performed by medical professionals yet caregivers don’t necessarily have the training. Just like the cancer patients, caregivers experience a whole range of negative emotions which need to be acknowledged and addressed.

Caregivers for stem cell transplant recipients deal with a lot of responsibility and uncertainty. Many find their role very stressful and burnout is common. Practicing self-care helps caregivers maintain both their physical and emotional health. Many thanks to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company whose support, in part, made this presentation possible.

Caregiving for transplant recipients is a demanding task for which there is little preparation. Caregivers face practical, emotional, and social challenges caring for transplant recipients while also maintaining their own roles. This presentation discusses caregiver challenges and offers some methods for meeting them.