Question:
Hi there Lorie416
Sorry it took so long to get back to you..
I have been thinking WHAT can we say to others apart from how do they feel?.. That's a hard one as it really depends on the actual circumstances happening to those people..
If it's elderly people whom I've had a lot to do with.. I would tend to get them remembering the old Memories; or the people whom we mutually knew from the past , as old people never forget the old days, unless of course they have an Alzheimers type illness.
If it's a younger person, maybe ask them about their hobbies, favourite TV show,friends, Singer or Music.. Movies that are on they may like to see..Take them some interesting magazines .. Offer to teach them a Craft .. like Cross Stitch..Play some games of Cards.. You could even get a book out of Library to get ideas of interesting things to talk about..or do?.
As I said it all depends on the particular circumstance..
If it is a Caregiver, after asking how they feel , maybe you could ask if they are planning on having a break/ or have had a break from taking care of the ill person.. ? What would they like to do,.. how are they going to do it.. Make a suggestion of something good that may be available to go and see, do.. etc.. Ask if they have someone in mind to take their place..??
Apart from that , offer a LISTENING EAR.. more important than ANYTHING.. if they just want to talk ..
I can't think of anything else except ..
what about making a little gift ..a craft..a pot of jam.. some baking .. taking a book you've read .. some magazines..A video, offer to go out with them to a movie if they've no one else.. for a cuppa , Take them to a Library if they like reading , give them some TIME out!.. Ask what small thing might bug them that they can't do themselves and try to find a resolution..
Oh so many little things could be done..
So Laurie, does that help?..
I did start another post on Caregivers Topic page just above your message.. called it
"Help a Caregiver-Cheer them up-Time Costs nothing!" and I mentioned you and your page, so others would look at your's too..
Got some nice replies on it as well. So I think I've done my wee bit to help?
I hope you are feeling ok yourself Lorie, and you have some support too..?
You could leave me a message on my page if you like and let me know how you are ?..
You're important TOO you know!!
Well must go.. Take Care.. Belle NZ xxx
------------------
A Friend!
Answer:
Hi Belle,
You gave some great suggestions of not only things to say, but things to do. You certainly have helped me!! I will have to check out your page another time, as I am 37 1/2 weeks pregnant and about to give birth any day, so my time on the computer has been limited. I will check back when I am feeling a bit more comfortable. Thanks, Lori
Answer:
Hi Lorie416
Just a wee message to wish you well and all the best for that wee baby you have coming!
I do hope you have someone to be your "Caregiver" when it's all over, to pamper YOU a little bit?
Kind Regards.. Belle xxx
------------------
A Friend!