For Caregivers

Caring for someone with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) can be both rewarding and challenging. As a caregiver, your support plays a vital role in the well-being and quality of life of someone you care about. Here are practical tips to make your support more effective.

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Tip 1: Learn About MG

Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about this challenging disease. Watch videos, read articles, and use our resource section to educate yourself. Being better informed about MG will make you a more effective caregiver.

Tip 2: Communicate

Whether you are a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or professional support worker, it is important to be a good listener and communicator. Ask the person you are caring for how they prefer to be supported. Be patient, present, and compassionate. Do regular "check-ins" to make sure what you are doing is helpful and received the way you intended.

Tip 3: Offer Practical Support

The dishes still need to be done. Regular daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and transportation need to happen. Accompany the person you are caring for to medical appointments. Take notes and ask questions. Being a good caregiver means getting regular things done, too. Because MG symptoms fluctuate day-to-day, practical support may be needed more on some days than others.

Tip 4: Be Emotionally Present

Respect the independence of the person you are assisting, but be available when needed—both physically and emotionally. Be reassuring and encouraging. Remember to celebrate the small victories as a team! You are a team, after all.

Tip 5: Prepare for Emergencies

Caregivers should know that MG can lead to serious complications like myasthenic and cholinergic crises, which require immediate medical attention. Familiarize yourself with warning signs and keep the person's medical information easily accessible—including medication lists, emergency contacts, and healthcare team information. Have an emergency action plan ready. Being prepared can make all the difference in a crisis situation.

Tip 6: Take Care of Yourself, Too

Recognize your limits. As a caregiver, your support plays a vital role in helping the person you are assisting. But you can only honor this important role if you are looking after yourself, too. Take breaks. Accept help from others when you need it. We can all use the support of others at one time or another.