Support for Caregivers & Their Loved Ones Meals and Other Help with Food Food has many meanings in a variety of cultures: comfort, nourishment, socializing, and gathering with family and friends; it has power and symbolism in many religions and other traditions. And so it goes in the context of a serious health issue or diagnosis like cancer. Whether those in our communities of support are celebrating a special occasion or experiencing a crisis or other life challenge, one of the mediums we use to offer assistance or lend support is to make or buy an item of food and deliver it with our best wishes, sympathy or congratulations. It is a time honored offering of love and friendship, a gift that can speak volumes. In the category of food, there are many ways to assist when a person has been diagnosed with cancer and/or is going through treatment. It may require just a little more research than inquiring about what you can contribute to the seasonal neighborhood potluck. This is a situation when a designated ‘lead’ person or “coordinator” can be a huge asset, as there are likely to be more things to consider than basic food preferences and allergies. Unless the person with cancer wants to talk with everyone that calls to inquire, the designated coordinator can share the particulars of current dietary needs and any restrictions related to the diagnosis or the treatment with those interested/willing to provide food and to assist in this way. There are many calendar templates and chart forms available for organizing such efforts, both computer-based and plain old paper calendars. Prepared with all the necessary information based on the needs of the person with cancer and their family constellation, the “coordinator” can use their own phone and/or computer to reach out to the “community of support” for help, filling in the food needs for days/times of the week as needed. The reference to “food needs” can include an entire meal, a kid-specific dinner or favorite dessert when children are involved, or something to put in the freezer for later. It can include money or grocery store gift cards, helping to make a grocery list, shopping for groceries for a meal someone else will be preparing, or take out from a favorite restaurant. When going out is possible, it can be a special meal for a couple to share while someone cooks or feeds the kids and puts them to bed (date night!). Offering to place the special food needs list on a website like caringbridge.org or lotsahelpinghands, then coordinating responses, can be another way to make the whole food thing much easier to manage! Imagination is a wonderful and beautiful thing; there are many possibilities for ways to bless someone who needs a little extra help staying nourished and saving their energies for getting through treatment or whatever else they may be trying to endure or accomplish. Many hands make light work! Stay tuned for next week: Household/Yard/Garden Chores
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:43:49 +0000
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