Brighten Someone’s Day
When someone has a serious illness, friends and relatives often want to step in and provide assistance, but don’t always know how. At times, they struggle with what to do or say. Palliative care experts asked patients to share their thoughts on acts of kindness and support they would find meaningful. Try a few of their simple suggestions to make your own friend or loved one’s day brighter.
• Call and then come by for 20 minutes when you can. Sickness may require rest, but not at the expense of communication.
• Cook my family dinner. Call ahead and offer choices. Bring food in disposable containers I don’t need to wash or return.
• Bake sweets and bring them frozen so I can eat them when my appetite improves. I can offer these to visitors, which makes me feel like a good host or hostess.
• Offer help for a specific time and date. If you just say, “Call me anytime you need me,” I won’t know when you’re available or what you want to do, and probably won’t ask.
• Provide minor house repairs.
• Offer the gift of massage, manicure or pedicure.
• Ask my family “What needs to be done?” rather than “What can I do?”
• Wash windows.
• Bring my favorite beverages and healthy snacks, include non-alcoholic and caffeine-free options.
• Bring nature to my bedside, such as fall leaves, spring flowers or snow.
• Help chauffeur my children, caregivers or other relatives.
There are many more ways to brighten someone’s day, click here to see all our ideas!
