Caregiver Guide
Practical ways to support someone through heart failure, transplant, or life with an LVAD - without burning out.
Caregivers carry a lot - emotionally and logistically - through heart failure, transplant, and recovery. There's no single "right" way to do it, but a few habits tend to help both you and the person you're caring for.
Common Caregiver Roles
Helping track medications, appointments, and symptoms
Driving to and from appointments, especially early after surgery or a procedure
Noticing changes the patient might not mention - fatigue, mood, appetite, swelling
Being an extra set of ears at appointments and helping ask questions
Providing emotional support through a genuinely difficult experience
Practical Tips
Keep a shared log of medications, vitals, and symptoms so nothing depends on memory alone.
Write questions down as they come up during the week, rather than trying to remember them at appointments.
Learn the specific warning signs for your loved one's condition, and know who to call and when.
Ask the care team directly what your role should be - it can differ a lot by situation.
Avoiding Burnout
Caregiver burnout is real and common - exhaustion, resentment, and guilt can build up quietly. Some things that help:
Accepting help when it's offered, and asking for it when it's not
Building in small breaks or respite time, even short ones
Talking to a counselor, support group, or other caregivers who understand
Remembering that taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's what lets you keep showing up
Working Together
Many patients and caregivers find it easier to stay organized by tracking things in one shared place - medications, vitals, appointments, and milestones - so both people can see the same picture and nothing falls through the cracks.
Have questions about how this applies to you? Contact your transplant team or care coordinator - they know your specific history and treatment plan.