Caring for someone with a weakened immune system comes with a special kind of responsibility. When a loved one is immunocompromised, everyday moments like grocery shopping, hosting visitors, or even riding in the car take a little extra thought. And while that can feel overwhelming at times, the good news is this: with a few consistent habits and a little planning, you can create a safer environment that helps them stay healthy at home and out in the world.

This guide breaks everything down into simple, practical steps so you don’t have to guess. Think of it as your go-to playbook for minimizing infections, reducing stress, and helping your loved one (and you!) feel a little more confident day to day.

What Does it Mean to Be Immunocompromised?

Being immunocompromised means the body’s immune system isn’t working at full strength. That can happen for lots of reasons—certain cancers, chronic illnesses, organ transplants, autoimmune disorders, some medications, or even age.

When the immune system is weakened, infections are harder to fight off and more likely to cause complications. A common cold for one person can turn into a serious health issue for someone who is immunocompromised.

So the goal isn’t to live in fear—it’s to build daily habits that reduce exposure, catch issues early, and help your loved one stay as healthy and protected as possible.

How to Protect Immunocompromised Family Members

Below are straightforward, caregiver-friendly strategies; many of these are small steps that add up, and they work best when everyone in your household is on the same page.

At-Home Protection Tips

Maintain a Clean and Disinfected Living Space

A clean home doesn’t need to look like a showroom—it just needs to reduce germs in the right places. Focus on high-touch areas:

• Light switches
• Remotes
• Door handles
• Phones and tablets
• Bathroom and kitchen surfaces

Try to clean these spots at least a few times a week. Use regular household disinfectants or wipes, and don’t forget soft surfaces like throw blankets, towels, and bedding. Washing them regularly helps keep lingering germs from sticking around.

Practice Consistent Hand Hygiene for Everyone in the Home

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infection. Make it easy by placing soap pumps by every sink and keeping a few hand sanitizer bottles around the house.

Encourage a few standard handwashing moments:

• When entering the house
• Before touching the immunocompromised person
• After using the bathroom
• Before cooking or eating
• After handling pets, packages, or groceries

Limit Visitors and Use Precautions When They Visit

We all love company—but when someone is immunocompromised, even a friendly drop-in can introduce germs. You don’t have to shut the door on guests. Just set expectations:

• Ask visitors to reschedule if they’re sick
• Encourage handwashing when they arrive
• Offer masks or ask them to bring their own
• Keep visits short and well-ventilated when possible

Most people truly want to help; they just need to know how.

Create a “Clean Zone” for the Immunocompromised Person

A clean zone is a designated space in your home where the risk of outside germs is intentionally kept lower. This might be their bedroom, a favorite chair, or a small corner of the living room.

Some ideas to keep the clean zone protected:

• Keep clutter minimal so it’s easier to wipe down
• Avoid placing shared items (bags, keys, backpacks) there
• Change clothes after coming home before entering the space
• Keep a small hand sanitizer pump nearby

Think of it as a small buffer between them and the outside world.

Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations 

Vaccines protect not just the immunocompromised family member—but the entire home. If they can’t get certain vaccines, you create a protective “bubble” around them by keeping yourself, other relatives, and caregivers fully vaccinated. Think of vaccinations as another layer of armor for your whole household.

Consider speaking to their healthcare team to determine if any vaccines are recommended. 

Protection Tips in Public and Shared Spaces

Leaving the house can feel nerve-wracking when you’re trying to minimize exposure—but it doesn’t have to. A few thoughtful habits can make outings safer and easier.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) When Needed

Masks are still incredibly useful tools for preventing infection, especially in:

• Doctor’s offices
• Hospitals
• Crowded public places
• Public transportation
• Indoor events with poor ventilation

Choose whatever feels most comfortable and protective—N95s, KN95s, or surgical masks. Keep a mask or two in your car, bag, or coat pocket so you’re always prepared. 

Avoid Crowded Spaces and Non-Essential Outings

Not every trip outside needs to be off the table—just try to plan strategically. Some helpful tips:

• Shop during off-hours
• Pick restaurants with outdoor seating
• Choose less busy parks or trails
• Use delivery or curbside pickup when possible

Reducing crowds reduces risk. It also reduces stress, which is always a bonus.

Plan Safer Medical Visits

Medical settings can be tricky because they’re necessary—but they also tend to be full of germs. To make appointments safer:

• Ask if telehealth is an option
• Request the first appointment of the day
• Wait in the car instead of the waiting room
• Bring masks and hand sanitizer
• Sanitize hands after touching clipboards, pens, or elevators
• Wiping down shared surfaces

Little things add up quickly here.

Don’t Be Afraid to Advocate

Your voice matters. Whether you’re at the doctor’s office, a school event, or the pharmacy, don’t hesitate to speak up on your loved one’s behalf. You can ask for:

• Extra space or seating away from crowds
• Masked staff when appropriate
• Private waiting areas
• Clear explanations of risks and safety measures

Advocacy isn’t about being demanding—it’s about keeping your loved one safe, and you have every right to do so.

Have a Sick Plan in Place

Infections can progress quickly in immunocompromised people, so regular monitoring and early symptom detection are key. Keep an eye out for:

• Fever or chills
• New cough
• Sore throat
• Unusual fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Any new or unexplained symptoms

It also helps to create a simple plan that includes:

• Who to call
• When to seek urgent care
• Medication instructions
• What your loved one prefers in terms of comfort or isolation

Having a plan in place makes stressful moments easier to navigate.

The Bottom Line

Caring for an immunocompromised loved one means thinking through things that most people don’t have to—cleaning routines, visitor guidelines, mask needs, safe outings, and more. It’s a lot. But every small step you take is an act of protection and love.

As you build these habits into your routine, they start to feel more natural. And when something becomes second nature, the caregiving journey feels just a little lighter. Keeping your loved one safe isn’t only about avoiding germs—it’s about creating an environment where they can feel supported, secure, and able to live as fully as possible.

And if you ever need guidance, tools, or a little extra support along the way, the California Caregiver Resource Centers are here for you. The CRCs are a nonprofit network of 11 Centers that support different parts of the caregiving journey for families across California. Every county in the state is covered, making it easier to access trustworthy information, resources, and caregiver-focused programs designed to help you feel more confident and equipped.

You’re doing meaningful work—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.