Helping the Chronicly Ill When You Have a Chronic Illness

29 Sep

How can you help friends with chronic illnesses when you yourself have a chronic illness? David and I have lots of friends and family with very serious issues, and it’s often difficult for us to help, even though we have a pretty good idea of what our friends and family are going through. Here’s a list of ways you can help your friends with chronic illness even if you have a chronic illness or chronic pain.

* Send them a card saying you’re praying for them.
* Send them an email with a joke that made you laugh. Stress relief is always appreciated by the chronically ill.
* Call them.
* Pass on your books and magazines to them. People with chronic illness often spend lots of time resting in bed or on the couch. They’d probably love some new reading material.
* When you are feeling well, make them a freezer meal. Tell them they can use it whenever they flare, just in case you both flare at the same time.
* If your friend has the same chronic illness, and there’s a product you love, such as a great fragrance free laundry detergent or Epsom Salts for soaking, pick up an extra for your friend to try.
* Give them an Itunes gift card. Again, with bedrest or limited mobility downloading music or a season of their favorite TV show would be a lot of fun.
* Ask them if cold or warm drinks help them at all. Chai Tea Lattes soothe my jaw pain. You could bring your friend a Sonic drink when you’re driving by their house.

What are your ideas?

Love,
A Young Wife