Jan 28 2009
THE PURRFECT WAY TO HELP A SICK FRIEND, Part 2
Your sick friend could be a family member also. If you know someone who’s not well and you’re close to them, you want to do all you can to help.
I previously wrote about someone you know in the hospital. Theres so much you can do as they are under medical supervision, but once they come home, theres plenty you can do.
First thing to do is ASK what they need and IF they need your help. No need pushing yourself on someone if they insist they dont need your help…..back off then. But if they want your help, heres what you can do.
Depending if there mobile or not, eating is very important in recuperating after a illness. When someone is sick, the least thing on their mind is cooking.
Soup is nourishing and healthy. Make your own please, no canned soup!!!
Make it with lots of vegies and meat (ask if the person is on a restricted diet first). You wont be with the person all the time, so reheating soup is very easy.
Ask if theres anything they feel like eating and cook it for them in small portions so they can easily microwave it.
Ask if they need you to run errands for them (pay bills, renew prescriptions, go shopping, etc)
It would be welcomed if you could help around the house also. Cleaning or doing the washing. Clean bedsheets will make your friend feel much better, trust me!! Do the dishes and tidy up a bit will help speed up the recovery and lift the spirit. (dont start vacuuming, the sound of a vacuum usually gets on people’s nerves, especially if you’re sick)
Let the person rest, dont go into long conversations or gossip, now is not the time. Do what you need to do and then ask if they’d like to rest and if so, LEAVE.
Let them know you’re only but a phone call away and tell them you’ll call on them once a day to find out if they need anything.
Whats important is that your friend or family member knows that you’re there for them.
I remember going through a rough time, my friend would come by at mealtime with a hot meal, set it on the table for me to eat. In the meantime, she would change my bed, start a washing, tidy up a bit, clean the bathroom and ask if after eating, id like a nice hot bath. After my bath, she would help me get into bed, tuck me in and make sure I had everything nearby (books, remote control, water, medicine, phone, etc) then she’d be gone.
I have her to thank for my speedy recovery. She was heaven sent!!
You can also be an “angel” to someone dear to you.
