It seems like everyone has The ‘Vid right now, doesn’t it? I mean, the numbers look that way, too. EEK! So what do you do when your friend’s family is on lockdown? How do you help a friend with COVID?
While this list will be written with virus quarantine in mind, please know that these ideas can be used any time you have a friend or family who needs a little help. Illness, injury, death in the family, bad news– there are all kinds of times where someone you love can use a hand. Keep an eye out for instances when someone in your circle could use your gifts.
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Don’t Ask; Tell
First of all, I’ve found that when I say “let me know if you need anything” I get crickets. But when I say “hey, I’m making double lasagna tonight, it’ll be on your porch at 6” it is much better received! Don’t ask, TELL. Tell your friend how you are going to help them. If you ask them what help is needed, more often than not, they’ll say nothing, not wanting to impose. I am certainly guilty of that! I’d rather tough it out alone than risk overstepping a boundary by asking for help. It’s just who I am.
Bring Sustenance
When you’re sick and can’t leave your house, you need to keep on top of your nutrition so your body can heal! With COVID, many people lose their sense of taste and/or smell, which can make preparing food and eating oddly tedious. If your friend is ill, bring them a meal. Not just a main dish, but bring a veggie side and dessert as well. Bonus points for including breakfast with a dinner drop-off. Even just a couple bagels or muffins would be SO kind to include!
- Double-up your dinner recipe
- Make a favorite comfort food (my go-to for bringing a meal is lasagna or my famous chicken pot pie!)
- Pick-up take-out from a local favorite
On your weekly grocery trip add some things to your cart and drop the bags off on the way home. Some ideas to grab:
- Easy meals (boxed mac and cheese, soup)
- Sandwich ingredients
- Snack favorites
- Gatorades, Pedialyte, ginger ale, tea
- Bagged salad
- Prepared fruit or a veggie tray
If your friend isn’t local to you but you still want to do something to convey the same sentiment, I’d recommend a service such as Spoonful of Comfort, Freshly, or even an Edible Arrangement.
Be of Service
Ask yourself what would be most helpful to you if the tables were turned. Obviously, you should also take a risk assessment and act within your comfort zone, but there are lots of ways to make someone feel cared for without being in person. Taking action on their behalf is a great way to help a friend with COVID.
- Walk their dog
- Pick up their child’s school work
- Arrange a laundry service (I haven’t used it, but have heard good things about SudShare)
- Drop off a mess-free kid activity like a new coloring book or a puzzle
- Pick up her library holds and drop them off with a box of tea and some cookies
- Make a date to watch your favorite show together over FaceTime
If you have a little more time to invest, consider making a care package or basket of “goodies” to help your friend. Inside, you can include:
- At-home rapid tests (these are my favorite)
- Some magazines or a favorite new book (or get them hooked on Wordle and you guys can compare scores!)
- A pulse oximeter to monitor blood-oxygen levels
- Tissues and Boogie Wipes
- Cough drops
- Vicks-type vapor rub (this one is baby-safe)
- Fuzzy socks
Regardless of what you do or bring to them, your friend will feel special just knowing you’ve thought of them! It is so important these days to nurture the connections you have. Everyone feels especially distant and we could all use a little more love and kindness.
What are your go-tos for bringing to a friend in need? How would you help a friend with COVID?
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