How many times have you asked your friend if there is anything you can do, just to be told that they will let you know if anything comes up? Between scheduling appointments, hospital trips, taking care of their children and trying to maintain their sanity, your friends don’t have time to make lists for you too. Below you will find some ways to be supportive without having to ask how you can help.
Give them a call
Just because your friend didn’t need anything last week, doesn’t mean they don’t need something today. Call frequently to offer meals, child-care for other children or other things that will offer parents some relief. Instead of asking if they would like you to babysit for them, ask them when they would like you to.
Help with a meal
Set up a meal calendar and have members of your church, play group or social circle deliver meals on planned days. This will ensure the family doesn’t end up with 20 chicken casseroles on their doorstep one day, and nothing the next. Be sure to ask about any possible food allergies. And remember, one parent may be at home while the other is in the hospital – they both have to eat.
Clean up
Contact a local company and set up payment for house cleaning, or do it your self. Emotions run high when a child is in the hospital and housework is the last thing on most parents’ minds when they actually are at home. The child undergoing treatment will need a clean a environment to come home to. Having the chores done for the family will give your friends one less thing to worry about.
Give a gift
Driving to, eating, and parking at the hospital is costly. Gift cards for gas, groceries, and restaurants are more than welcome and can be used whether they are at home or in the hospital.
Hold a Fundraiser
Visit our section on holding an event to learn more about what type of fundraiser to hold, when, where and how.