People who take care of the chronically ill often are expected to do all and be all for their charges. But caregivers often feel overwhelmed and disconnected from friends and life outside of taking care of a sick family member or friend. Here’s how you can lend them some help:
Educate yourself. Find out about the disease or condition the sick person is suffering. Ask the caregiver for suggestions on articles or books to read. Your interest helps show your support.
Keep in touch. Write or call just to ask the caregiver how things are going – with him or her and with the person who’s sick.
Have an attentive ear. Give caregivers a chance to talk about themselves and their feelings.
Be observant. See what needs to be done and suggest ways you can provide help to the caregiver. Be specific in your offer – like picking up groceries or taking books back to the library.
Offer your time. Give the caregiver a break – even if it’s just for an hour – and sit with the person who is sick. Or, run the vacuum, do a load of laundry, and empty the dishwasher.
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