What you can do to help
At this trying time in life it is hard to figure out what can be done to help our loved ones. Below is a list of things that you can do to help. This list was created from people's input that have been where we are now.
1) Offer to help in a concrete clearly defined manner that you would be truthfully willing to do to help. (eg. I can babysit for your other children and take them to their activities like softball, etc.
or, I can make out thank you notes for you to sign.)
2) Remember that time is probably the best gift you can ever give.
3) when visiting the survivor, stand and when you get tired, it's time for you to leave...because the survivor is tired, too.
4) If the survivor is talking alot or asks you to stay, stay a little longer.
5) Sometimes all you need to do is be there quietly with the survivor.
6) Offer to relieve the spouse/caregiver so he/she can do something for themselves .
7) Send a card - write something in it though, not just signed.
7) Drop some essential items by the house - paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, paper plates, plastic silverware, garbage bags, etc.
8) Organize a "relay" team of friends, neighbors, etc who have expressed a wish to help. Each take a different day of the week to make or order a meal for the family. They can also help clean up around the house if needed.
9) If the survivor can't drive, an offer is appreciated.
10) Help the survivor pay their bills by dropping them by the post office or taking them to the utility company.
11) Help take care of any pets at home.
Printed from:
Crow's Nest Online Support Group
http://www.crowsnestsupport.org