Care partners—whether family, friends, or close loved ones—are the quiet champions who help manage medications, attend appointments, offer emotional support, and walk beside patients every step of the way. But what does that look like day-to-day? And how can care partners find the support they need, too?

In today's episode we heard from: 

Ruthie Eastman is a former massage therapist and office administrator.  She is passionate about health and exercise and rides her three-wheel assisted tricycle regularly.  She is a new NKF Peer Mentor for Care Partners.

Jim Eastman has experienced two life-changing issues where Ruthie provided the role of Care Partner.  A traumatic brain injury in 1990 established a basis and need for care for Jim.  While bumpy in the beginning, we worked it out in couple’s therapy.  When CKD entered our lives, the patient/care partner dynamic had been experienced.  Three years of PD and eight years post-transplant, Ruthie continues to be a Care Partner extraordinaire!

Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW is a dedicated nephrology social worker with 25 years of healthcare experience, including 16 years in kidney care. She currently serves as Social Work Supervisor and CKD Program Lead at Puget Sound Kidney Centers, supporting patients and families through chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and major life transitions.

Additional Resources:

Life Stress Inventory

NKF Peers

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