How to Comfort a Sick Friend or Relative
You may get to rest in bed all day, but being sick is never fun to deal with. Those that are sick can get restless and lonely stuck at home or in a hospital. Providing comfort to an ill friend or family member can help get him through each day. Depending on the severity of the illness, the person may also feel depressed about his prospects for getting healthy or the long road of recovery ahead of him. Whatever you can do to help make him feel a little better, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated.
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Instructions
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Bring food over. The sick person likely has no strength to cook, so if she is home, bring over a few meals if possible. The person may not be able to eat certain foods however, so find out in advance before you start cooking. Someone with the flu, for instance, may likely only be able to drink hot liquids such as soup. If the person was normally the cook in the family, help out by cooking and freezing several meals for her family, so that all they have to do is reheat and enjoy.
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Help out around the house. Offering to clean up the house when someone is sick is a major help, especially if the person is stuck in the hospital and hasn't been able to come home for a while. Stop by periodically to keep the plants watered, check the mail and mow the lawn. Take in his pet while he recovers if possible. Your friend or relative will be grateful to come home to a house that is not in disarray.
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Bring over your favorite movies. If your sick friend or family member is restless and bored stuck in bed, give her some movies to watch that she has never seen before. She'll likely be able to get through many and will be glad for the distraction. You can also give her a DVD set of a TV show she never had time to watch before. If her illness is not contagious, hang out and watch the movies with her.
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Take the person out, if possible. Sometimes just being able to get out of the house or the hospital for a little bit is a great comfort. If the person is allowed and encouraged to leave the house, take him for a short drive to somewhere peaceful such as park or a botanical garden. He will benefit from the fresh air and will be able to relax in a comforting environment.
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Be there to listen. Sometimes a sick person may just need someone to vent to about the illness, especially if it is a long-term situation. She may be worried about upcoming medical procedures or terrified that she won't recover. She could also be upset about having to depend on others, not being able to live her life as she used to. Show the person that you are listening and understand why she is upset even if you don't have any answers. She won't expect you to know what to do, but just being able to get those feelings out is a great comfort to some.
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Send a care package. If you don't live close to the sick friend or relative, a care package is a comforting way to show you care. Send the person a box full of his favorite snacks, a couple of movies and some music CDs. Select a mix of the person's favorite music along with some new artists you think he would like. You can also send pictures of the two of you, and comfort items such as fuzzy socks, a cozy robe and books. Choose at least one inspirational book that will lift his spirits. Include a card with encouraging words.
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Tips & Warnings
Call every day if you can. If you can't visit the person, at least call daily to check on him. He will take comfort in knowing that you care enough to check in on him so frequently.
Don't wear the person out. While your friend or relative will truly appreciate your visit, it may take a lot of energy out of him, so don't overstay your welcome unless he asks you to stay. Watch the person closely during your visit and if you see signs of fatigue, it's time to end your visit.
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