HOW TO GIVE HOPE TO THE HOPELESS (THE SICK)
The quality of care a sick person receives during recovery from an illness is one of the most important steps to getting better. You may have a friend or family member who is suffering from a bad cold, an illness, or an infection. Once the person receives medication from her doctor, she may be instructed to stay at home, rest up, and get better. You can
provide care for a sick person by using kind and comforting words, and by using caring actions to ensure she has a speedy recovery. (1) Express your sympathy and desire to make Him / her feel better:
When you first visit the sick person, it’s important that you tell her you care for her and are rooting for her to get better. Rather than ask, “What can I do?” or “Tell me what I can do to help”, you can offer to help the person with specific things. For example, I can pick up some chicken or fruits for you, can I get your food?” This will make it easier for the person to accept your help with little effort. When trying to cheer the person up with words, avoid using phrases like “Look on the bright side” or “It could have been much worse”. These phrases, though full of good intention, can make the person feel guilty for being sick or feel she does not have a right to be sick when there are other people less fortunate than her. (2).Be willing to listen:
Most sick people tend to feel better when they have someone who is willing to listen to them talk with empathy and understanding. Rather than tell the person she looks fine or that she doesn't seem all that sick, try to listen to the person talk about her feelings and emotions about her sickness or illness.Avoid forcing an opinion on the person and focus instead on being there as a sympathetic ear. Many sick people find it helpful to know someone is sitting with them at least once a day and listening to them talk. Often, being sick can be a boring and lonely experience.Having someone who is willing to listen can help a sick person feel acknowledged and cared for. (3).Prepare the person’s comfort food & Liquid :
Most people will have a go to comfort food they crave when they are ill.Avoid giving the person unhealthy foods high in trans fats and empty calories, as this will not support her immune system as she recovers from her illness.The average adult needs to drink two liters or more a day and should urinate at least three to four times a day. Gauge the sick person’s hydration level and note if he/she does not go to the bathroom often during the day. This may be a sign he/she is dehydrated.
