Chapter 3: I need some help

Asking for help from friends and family

Friends keep calling and offering their support, but I don't want to be a burden.

Asking for and accepting help may be difficult, but it is necessary when you are looking after someone who is dying. Assistance from others lets you save energy for things that matter most.


Friends generally welcome the opportunity to help. Ask them to assist you with:

  • Child care
  • Making meals
  • Laundry, vacuuming and other household chores
Consider asking for help from a friend who is not close to the dying person. Talking to this friend may relieve your stress.

Ask a friend or family member to be in charge of updating your extended family by:

  • Text messages
  • Emails
  • Telephone calls
  • Social media (if the dying person agrees) such as Facebook and tweets