How to Effectively Support a Sick Loved One

Listen to Your Loved One

If you want to make your loved one feel loved and supported, the best thing you can do is listen to them.

Encourage them to express their fears, concerns, anger, or disappointment, and really listen to make them feel comfortable when sharing their emotions with you.

Confirm you will keep their conversations private and respond to them with a thoughtful response, which could make them feel happier and more optimistic for the future.

Encourage Fun Activities

Many people who have been recently diagnosed with a health issue might believe it is not appropriate to embark on fun activities at this moment in time.

However, it is your job as their friend to remind them that life is for living and they shouldn’t allow a condition to define them.

Encourage them to participate in a fun activity or embrace their much-loved hobby, which could reduce their stress levels, add a little fun into their life, and make them feel more optimistic.

Learn More About Compensation Claims

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a health condition following negligence by a doctor, they will have every right to make a compensation claim.

For example, if they were misdiagnosed with a spinal injury or cancer, or developed a health complaint following a surgical error, they will have every right to make a medical negligence claim within three years.

Learn more about their options before making the recommendation, as it could potentially provide them with a greater quality of life following a successful case.

Offer to Perform Basic Chores

While you might not view completing various household chores as a big help, you can guarantee your loved one will appreciate your assistance. For instance, you could:

• Run errands
• Clean their home
• Prepare meals
• Babysit their children
• Tend to their garden
• Remind them of important dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• Drive them to medical appointments

The small tasks could make a big difference in their mood and quality of life.

Monitor Your Friend’s Wellbeing

Living with a health complaint can lead to the development of stress, anxiety, frustration, or depression. If you want to help your friend, the best thing you might be able to do for them is monitor their wellbeing.

For example, if they display extreme emotional or physical reactions to a problem, you could aim to lift their mood, find a solution to a growing issue, or encourage them to seek professional help for a diagnosis.