Unique Ways to Assist a Loved One Coping with A Chronic Health Issue

Written by Kimberly Hayes*

Watching a loved one struggle with a chronic health condition can be heart-wrenching. It’s natural to want to help in any way you can, but it’s not always clear what that entails. Fortunately, there are many unique ways to support someone besides traditional methods. Here are some ideas from Blue Star Health Coaching to help you provide comfort and assistance to your loved one.

Treat Them With Compassion and Empathy

The first step in helping someone with a chronic illness is to approach them with compassion and empathy. It's important to listen to their needs and understand what they are going through. Avoid judging or dismissing their feelings, as this can cause them to feel isolated and unsupported. Instead, validate their experiences and provide emotional support as needed. Remind them that they are not alone in their journey.

Accompany Them to Doctor Appointments

Frequent doctor appointments are often necessary for someone with a chronic illness. Due to fatigue, pain, or other symptoms, your loved one may be unable to attend these appointments alone. You can help by offering to drive them to and from these appointments or even accompany them inside if they need assistance. You can also help them keep track of their appointments by setting reminders, scheduling them in advance, or creating a tracking calendar or dashboard.

Cook Them Healthy Meals

Eating healthy meals can help manage symptoms and overall health for someone with a chronic illness. Preparing meals and snacks, especially ones that meet dietary needs, can be time-consuming and overwhelming for your loved one. Offering to cook a few meals a week, or even preparing them together, can be a fantastic way to show support. You can also batch-cook meals, freeze them for later, and even help with meal planning and grocery shopping.

Make Safety Modifications to the Home

Depending on the type and severity of your loved one's chronic illness, they may need modifications in their home environment. These can include installing safety features, such as grab bars or ramps, or changing the furniture layout to accommodate mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. You can help with these modifications by researching, finding contractors, or even assisting with the physical labor required to make the changes.

Upgrade Their Home Office If They Work From Home

If your loved one works from home due to their chronic illness, helping them design a stress-free workspace is essential. You can help by creating a calm, ergonomic workspace that minimizes distractions, is comfortable, supports good posture, and reduces eye strain. Make sure there's proper lighting, comfortable chairs, and digital tools that improve productivity. Additionally, help them maintain work and home life boundaries by creating a schedule that includes breaks.

Help Them Navigate Health Insurance 

Understanding health insurance can be challenging, even for the most educated among us. Understanding policies, filing claims, and managing medical bills can be particularly overwhelming for someone with a chronic illness. You can help by researching the insurance company, identifying the policy's benefits and limitations, and even communicating directly with the insurer when necessary. Help them keep track of claims and be there for them when issues arise.

Engage in Stress-Alleviating Activities Together

Living with a chronic illness can be incredibly stressful due to the physical and emotional demands it places on your loved one and yourself. You can help each other cope with stress by engaging in mindfulness meditation, yoga, nature walks, puzzles, and games. You can also help them maintain a positive attitude by encouraging them to practice gratitude and focus on their abilities rather than their limitations.

Earn a Nursing or Healthcare Degree to Better Support Your Loved One

If you genuinely want to make a difference in your loved one's life, consider pursuing a nursing or healthcare degree. With such a degree, you will better understand diseases, treatments, and patient care. You'll also be better equipped to manage your loved one's medications, symptoms, and overall well-being. Additionally, you'll be better positioned to advocate for your loved one's needs and to communicate more effectively with their healthcare team.

Many unique ways exist to help a loved one with a chronic health condition. Whether it's providing transportation, cooking healthy meals, or earning a healthcare degree, there's something you can do to make a difference. Remember to be there for your loved one with compassion, understanding, and patience.

*Special thanks to our guest writer, Kimberly Hayes, the chief blogger at information@publichealthalert.info! 

"Kimberly Hayes knows firsthand the loneliness and unknowns that addiction brings. After overcoming an eating disorder, she is ready to squash the stigma and help raise awareness about the importance of health, wellness, and self-care as it pertains to addiction, mental health, and so much more."