Your role as a care partner may be challenging. However, it may also be highly rewarding and allow you to be involved in your loved one’s care plan decision making.
This website contains a 3-step programme to help you and your loved one stay positive when multiple myeloma comes back, or your loved one needs to consider their next treatment.
Knowing what their priorities are could help improve your loved one’s wellbeing and motivate them to follow their goals.1-3 Then, communicating these priorities clearly to their healthcare team will help them find a care plan that suits their needs.2
An overview of the programme
STEP 1: Find what matters to them
First, your loved one will need to uncover their priorities out of everything they value and enjoy in life. This may not always be easy.
- Use the guide and myMMneeds tool to help them figure out their top priorities
- Take the time to think about whether your priorities are similar to theirs – your needs matter too
- The downloadable Step 1 booklet and the online tool could help your loved one see what they may need to feel motivated – it only takes 5 minutes
Find what matters to them
STEP 2: Communicating effectively
Once your loved one knows what matters to them, they can access tips on how to communicate their priorities to you, other loved ones, care partner(s), and their healthcare team.
This will build open and honest relationships and help you understand how best to support your loved one. Their healthcare team may also be able to find a care plan that fits in with the priorities they identified in Step 1.
- You’ll discover useful tips to help you work through potential disagreements
- There’s advice to help you have productive conversations with each other
- You’ll find guidance on speaking to the healthcare team and how to prepare for appointments ahead of time
- The downloadable Step 2 booklet and the online pre-appointment checklist that could help you make the most of the conversations you’re having
Communicating effectively
STEP 3: Wellbeing with MM
When you understand your loved one’s priorities clearly, you’ll be able to help support them with these in their day-to-day life.
- There’s advice for your loved one on mental and physical health. You may also find this section useful for your own wellbeing
- There are practical tips about sharing responsibilities, making daily life easier
- The downloadable Step 3 booklet contains reminders of what living well could look like
Wellbeing with MM
We know that you want the best for your loved one, but challenges can arise. Use the following resources to help you work together in a positive way.
References
- Moore C. How to set and achieve life goals the right way. Available at: https://positivepsychology.com/life-worth-living-setting-life-goals/ Accessed: May 2024.
- Auclair D, et al. Patient Preference and Adherence 2022:16;573-85.
- Shapiro YN, et al. Blood Cancer Journal 2021;11:172 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-021-00560-x. Accessed: May 2024.