25 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP THOSE FACING A SERIOUS ILLNESS

[Guest guest]

25 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP THOSE FACING A SERIOUS ILLNESS

Here are some practical tips to really help someone facing an illness

.... from people who have been there.

1 -Don't avoid me. Be the friend...the loved one, you've always been.

2 -Touch me. A simple squeeze of my hand can tell me you still care.

3 -Call me to tell me you're bringing my favorite dish and what time you

are coming. Bring food in disposable containers, so I won't worry about returns.

4 -Take care of my children for me. I need a little time to be alone

with my loved one. My children may also need a little vacation from my illness.

5 -Weep with me when I weep. Laugh with me when I laugh. Don't be afraid

to share this with me.

6 -Take me out for a pleasure trip, but know my limitations.

7 -Call for my shopping list and make a " special " delivery to my home.

8 -Call me before you visit, but don't be afraid to visit. I need you. I

am lonely.

9 -Help me celebrate holidays (and life!) by decorating my hospital room

or home or bringing me tiny gifts of flowers or other natural treasures.

10 -Help my family. I am sick, but they may be suffering. Offer to come

stay with me to give my loved ones a break. Invite them out. Take them places.

11 -Be creative! Bring me a book of thoughts, taped music, a poster for

my wall, cookies to share with my family and friends...an old friend who

hasn't come to visit me.

12 -Let's talk about it. Maybe I need to talk about my illness. Find out

by asking me: " Do you feel like talking about it? "

13 -Don't always feel we have to talk. We can sit silently together.

14 -Can you take me or my children somewhere? I may need transportation

to a treatment...to the store ...to a doctor.

15 -Help me feel good about my looks. Tell me I look good, considering

my illness.

16 -Please include me in decision making. I've been robbed of so many

things. Please don't deny me a chance to make decisions in my family...

in my life.

17 -Talk to me of the future. Tomorrow, next week, next year. Hope is so

important to me.

18 -Bring me a positive attitude. It's catching!

19 -What's in the news? Magazines, photos, newspapers, verbal reports,

keep me from feeling the world is passing me by.

20 -Could you help me with some cleaning? During my illness, my family

and I still face: dirty clothes, dirty dishes, dirty house.

21 -Water my flowers.

22 -Just send a card to say " I care. "

23 -Pray for me and share your faith with me.

24 -Tell me what you'd like to do for me and, when I agree, please do it!

25 -Tell me about support groups so I can share with others.