When a loved one gets sick, it can be a difficult time both emotionally and physically. That doesn’t mean it’s hard just for them, but it’s also hard for those who are caring for the ones who are sick. Supporting a sick loved one can actually be one of the best things to do when it comes to taking care of them, and even if there is nothing you can practically do, just being there might be enough to help them feel a little better – and that is a positive step forward.
With that in mind, here are some of the ways you can support a sick loved one and help them as much as you can.
Listen To Them
Sometimes there is nothing you can do on a practical level to help your loved ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer support. Something that will always be beneficial is if you can listen to them. You don’t have to offer any advice if you don’t have any answers, but just the act of listening to itself can be enough.
When someone is able to talk through something with someone they trust, they can lay out all the issues and potentially come up with a solution themselves. At the very least, they will become less stressed when they share their concerns, as it will feel good to get the issues off their chest. If you can offer advice, such as suggesting they might be able to get help about a wrongful death from defective medical device if they are feeling mentally unwell after a loved one has passed away, or giving them information about specialist care if they are physically sick themselves, then that’s wonderful. If not, just listening is a great thing to do and will be helpful.
Educate Yourself
Although listening can be enough for the sick person, it might not be enough for you. You might want to be able to do more, and in that case, it’s worth educating yourself as much as possible. When you know more about the specific condition that your family member or friend is suffering from, you’ll be a lot more confident when it comes to helping.
Some of the important things to learn about include the symptoms of the specific condition, treatment, and the potential challenges they might face as they go through the disease. In this way, you can have helpful conversations about the problem and offer practical advice if you feel this is necessary. At the very least, you’ll be able to understand what they are going through a little better and ensure you are more empathetic.
Offer Practical Assistance
As mentioned, offering practical assistance isn’t always going to be necessary, but for some, it’s the best way they know to help someone. If that sounds like you, then you can offer a wide range of different practical things to help someone who is sick, even if you don’t have any medical training yourself.
You might go shopping for them, for example, or clean their home if they can’t do it. You might cook them meals (maybe enough so that they can freeze some for another time). You could walk their dog or take their kids to school.
Even the smallest gestures can make a big difference, and if it means their life is more comfortable as they battle their condition, that’s definitely a worthwhile thing.
