What to do when a friend gets sick

November 12, 2014

Sit stay healSounds like a no-brainer, right?  Fact is, when friends get sick, and I mean REALLY sick, as in the need for extended treatment sick, many of us just freeze. And some just disappear.

What can we possibly do to be helpful? To make a difference? To show we care?

And not get in the way of family and professionals?

Plenty, as it turns out.

I hope you’ll zoom over to my essay 6 Ways You Can Help a Friend Who’s Sick at PBS’ Next Avenue. Just click HERE.  And I would be over the moon if you’d comment there and share on any social media outlets you can. This is advice you can use…and offer your own ideas on that post!

Thank you!

13 comments on “What to do when a friend gets sick
  1. Unfortunately I could write the book on this. I’ve had friends never call or, on the other end, my mom who would never leave.

    It’s a great post, Carol, because it’s so important to know how to help one another, particularly as we age.

  2. Laura says:

    The first bit of advice is the most important: just do something, anything.

  3. Sandy Ramsey says:

    Such a great article, Carol!

  4. Risa says:

    Carol, a timely reminder about the importance of standing by our friends, showing up, and showing that we care. Later today, I’ll be picking up a friend, taking her out for hot chocolate–and loaning her my precious “Lonesome Dove” DVDs! I’ve been on both sides of this situation and your words are so true!

  5. Robin Herman says:

    This is hugely helpful advice. I didn’t see a place on Next Avenue to comment.

  6. Mary says:

    Carol, this is such needed advice. Tweeted.

  7. Carolann says:

    Unfortunately, I’ve had to encounter this a few times with friends as well as with family. I just remember to always be there for them, never judge the way they feel or act out, and do exactly for them as I would like done for me. Great post.

  8. I’ve always found it best to just do something WITHOUT ASKING. Great tips, Carol. And congrats on being on Next Avenue.

  9. Michelle says:

    When I was much younger, I had a friend get sick…she died when we were 26. I was amazed by how many of her friends just abandoned her. I spent as much time with her as I could, but she was so scared and lonely. I know it’s hard to deal with when someone is THAT sick…but remembering what they are going through and just BEING there is so important.

  10. Helene Cohen Bludman says:

    Great advice, Carol. It is sad when people just can’t be there for their sick friends. Sadly, it’s human nature (for some).

  11. Commented and shared.

  12. Wonderful advice, Carol. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Congratulations on being on Next Avenue. Good advice for everyone to use if the situation should arise.

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