• Whom do you know who’s an Organizer? See what can be done to help—Do they need a medication schedule written up? A daily “plan”? Grocery lists that can be easily accessed by themselves or someone else shopping for them? Are you able to clean out and clear a refrigerator that has been overlooked due to recent circumstances, but where any day, there’s going to be a need for fresh space for meds or a differing menu? Sometimes these tasks are the most daunting, but the most helpful.
  • Text or Phone Check Ins—especially after a week or so has gone by of recovery. Many people jump in to help at the beginning— ask if friends can check in as the days turn into weeks. 

  • Positive Affirmations—The caretaker is spending a lot of energy saying, “You can do this!” but they need to hear it too.
  • Make Life Easier—Deliver disposable plates, cups, bowls, and utensils. Toilet paper and soft Kleenex (*avoid the ones with lotions.) And because there’s frequently a stronger germ concern during medical crisis times, hand sanitizers and foaming hand soaps that smell good, plus rolls of paper towels, are a great gift to quietly drop off. Is there anyone you know with the budget room to help swing some of these past your place?

  • You could have pizza delivered, but think about what the body needs especially during times of stress: fresh fruit & vegetables, or a small side salad to offset those vending machines. Dark chocolate (good antioxidants). Protein bars. Protein shakes that come premixed in cans. Avoid anything with nuts in a hospital atmosphere as a safety measure in that environment. ALSO: if it's possible to get their hands on an insulated small tote bag so things can be kept cool, that can be a real Godsend.

  • Whom could you ask to offer to help drive? Do other family members need a ride to music lessons or school? If they’re caregivers or frequent help to aging parents, can you find out how to assist with their needs? Pet’s needs? Do they need dry-cleaning dropped off? A secret corner of their freezer stocked with hidden ice cream…(hide a treat inside a box or carton that has freezer burn and looks to be abandoned, then let them know it’s hidden away inside of it just for THEM…) Etc.