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Multiple studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that individuals with strong support networks have better outcomes. Unfortunately, providing support to someone during the pandemic is different than what we have experienced before.
So, how do we reimagine how to provide support for someone during a pandemic?
Feeling isolated is a huge problem right now, and much of the hands-on support we typically can provide is not advisable for obvious reasons.
This pandemic is proving to be a marathon, and the isolation is not going away any time soon. Whatever we can do to alleviate this isolation is needed. We just have to go about it in different, thoughtful ways.
For some, it’s tough to accept help. Many people do not know what type of help is available. Needs change on a regular basis, depending on the circumstances. For instance, it may not have occurred to them that having someone walk the dog would be helpful. The intention behind caring for friends and loved ones is still the same, yet the actions that we take have been forced to change.
Aside from dog walking, additional potential scenarios include having someone else handle the order for online shopping. This can happen via a phone call to talk through the grocery list, and thanks to plenty of options for delivery, items could arrive within a few hours. A random, simple text, “Do you have enough toilet paper?” might be tremendously thoughtful. Not everyone buys in bulk and texting to ask what is needed if you are going to the store could be greatly appreciated.
Consider creating an activity basket, or as I like to call it—a “Distraction Basket.” This could contain things for everyone in the house depending on the age. Coloring books exist for all ages, and a joke book is always good (many joke books are well vetted and age appropriate). It’s the perfect distraction from what they’re going through. We could all use bad jokes to distract us from the situation at hand or to pass the time. Also, everyone loves a good puzzle right now. Perhaps send your friend a one-month subscription to your favorite streaming channel so you can watch shows together.
We are likely to experience snow and icy conditions this winter, and on these days, any necessary errands like a pharmacy pickup or a shoveled driveway will still need to happen. It’s winter, and I know many people would appreciate a clear driveway so they can leave the house whenever they need to without worrying about the extra effort. If you have little kids, when it snows, consider building a snowman in a friend’s front yard so they have something fun to look at.
If people have a definite need for organized care, a friend or family member can sign them up for my platform, WhatFriendsDo. They can launch a support team for the friend in need, identifying their needs and updating people on their story. One of our features is a direct link to the friend in need’s Amazon wish list. A point person can update the private site, which takes away the exhausting effort of sharing the story over and over again.
If your friend really doesn’t need anything, chocolate, wine, flowers, or a cookie bouquet are things you can send to let them know that you are thinking of them. The digital age has made handwritten notes all the more treasured as a thoughtful gesture. There are many ways to offer support — it’s what friends do.
Kandrac is chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based WhatFriendsDo.
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