Ask if they’d like a short visit

Livecchi recommends: “Ask them if they’d like a short visit and schedule it. Be open to hearing the hard conversations about their feelings about their diagnosis, health, how it has affected their life and their possible fears for the future. If they are fatigued or are not up for the visit, do not take it personally; just try again in another couple of days.”

Don’t just ask, ‘How can I help?’ or tell them to shout if they need anything

“When someone is feeling unwell they may not have the energy to consider what they need and/or many may be shy about asking for help,” says Livecchi. “Instead of asking a vague question, like ‘How can I help?’, make specific concrete offers, such as ‘I’d like to deliver dinner this week. What night is best?’ or ‘Why don’t I take over your carpool this week?’

“Tasks such as pet care, grocery shopping, housekeeping, carpooling and delivering a meal can be extremely helpful.”

How to support a friend who’s sick