Being sick sucks. You’re tired, achy, and everything feels like it takes twice the effort. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, making a meal, or even just brushing your teeth can seem insurmountable. The responsibilities of everyday life don’t pause for illness, adding a layer of stress to an already challenging time.
Even trying to delegate tasks can be overwhelming — explaining what needs to be done, coordinating with others, and ensuring everything is handled properly takes energy that’s already in short supply. It’s a tough situation, but with the right support and understanding, it’s possible to navigate these challenges more smoothly.
If the roles are reversed, and you’re trying to support a friend who’s sick, offer specific help rather than vague statements. Saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” can actually add to their stress because they might not know what to ask for or feel uncomfortable making requests. Instead, offer concrete actions like, “I can bring you dinner on Tuesday” or “I’ll pick up your groceries this weekend.” These specific offers can make a big difference and show your genuine willingness to help. Here are a few other practical ways you can support your friend when they’re under the weather:
1. Prepare and Deliver Meals
There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of chicken soup, a creamy mac and cheese, or a hearty stew. These dishes not only provide essential nutrients but also evoke a sense of home and care, helping your friend who’s sick feel a bit better with each bite.
To truly support your friend, consider meal prepping ready-to-eat meals and freezer-friendly options. Ready-to-eat meals are perfect for immediate consumption, requiring minimal effort from the recipient. Think along the lines of lasagna, casseroles, or pre-portioned salads with all the toppings and dressings included. For freezer meals, options like soups, chili, and baked pasta dishes can be a lifesaver. They can be stored and reheated easily, ensuring your friend has a comforting meal ready whenever they need it.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic that’s both nourishing and easy to digest.
- Beef Stew: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a hearty meal that can be frozen and reheated without losing its flavor.
- Vegetarian Chili: A versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with rice, and it freezes well.
If you’re not much of a cook, sending thoughtful care packages can brighten your friend’s day too. Consider including get well soon gifts like a gift card to a local restaurant, a cozy blanket, or a selection of herbal teas. A package with homemade soup or a few ready-to-eat meals can also show you care.
2. Help With Household Chores and Errands
When someone is sick, everyday household chores and errands can quickly become overwhelming. Offering assistance with these tasks can significantly ease their burden and allow them to focus on rest and recovery.
Start with the basics that tend to pile up:
- Dishes: Washing dishes or loading and unloading the dishwasher can be a small yet impactful way to help maintain a clean kitchen.
- Laundry: Handling the laundry, whether it’s washing, drying, folding, or putting it away, can be incredibly helpful. Clean clothes and linens can contribute to a sense of normalcy and comfort.
- Lawn Work: You don’t need to clean the gutters or power wash the driveway (unless you want to). But mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or even just watering plants can keep the yard looking tidy and prevent tasks from accumulating.
Beyond these basics, consider helping with childcare or pet care. Taking care of children can be especially challenging when someone is unwell. Offer to babysit, help with school runs, or arrange playdates. This not only gives the sick person a break but also ensures the children are cared for and entertained. Pets also need daily attention, so taking over responsibilities like feeding, walking, or cleaning up after pets can be a great relief.
3. Assist With Medical and Administrative Tasks
If your friend is dealing with a more serious illness, such as cancer or a chronic condition, they may need help with various medical and administrative tasks. These responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially when they’re already coping with the physical and emotional toll of their illness.
Providing transportation to medical appointments can be a significant help. Frequent visits to doctors, specialists, and treatment centers can be exhausting and logistically challenging. Think about the last time you had to find parking at a hospital — oof. Offering to drive them ensures they get to their appointments on time, and you can also provide much-needed companionship and support during what can be a stressful experience.
Helping with administrative tasks, such as managing bills and insurance paperwork, is another way to ease their burden. The complexity and volume of paperwork can quickly become overwhelming. Assisting with organizing, filling out forms, and keeping track of due dates can relieve a significant amount of stress. However, make sure this is an area you’re comfortable helping with before volunteering. Dealing with financial and personal information requires trust and accuracy. You don’t want to add to their stress by making errors or mishandling sensitive documents.
Helping manage their medications and treatments is another crucial task, but again, make sure you are completely comfortable with this task. This might involve setting up a medication schedule, organizing pills in a weekly pillbox, or reminding them to take their medicines at the right times. Ensuring that treatments are administered correctly and on time can make a big difference in their recovery process.
Lending a Helping Hand
These gestures, while simple, can make a world of difference to someone struggling to keep up with their daily responsibilities while being sick. Your willingness to help shows them much needed support, and hopefully, you can make their path to recovery a bit smoother.
