Scheduling Suggestions
People just need direction!!
Not all requests for help will be fulfilled, but the generosity of friends is absolutely amazing - so don't be shy when you indicate what your friend needs! Your Team members will be so grateful to be able to help and will appreciate that you are letting them know what they can do.
WhatFriendsDo.com suggests you schedule help for a maximum of 3-4 weeks
at a time. As situations change, needs change.
- Food Tip - When people are bringing food to friends-in-need, they should pay attention to the food containers. Make sure they label all their dishes with their name, address and phone number. A reminder to send things in recyclable dishes may also be helpful.
- Breakfasts - These are helpful for a family with children or for elderly people who are unable to fix their own meals. A breakfast of pastries and fruit may also be appreciated by a family the morning of a funeral or on moving day.
- Lunches - These are often helpful when delivered to the hospital for family members awaiting surgery results or spending long days visiting.
- Dinners - Depending upon the situation and the size of the family, dinner may not be needed every day of the week. Many people provide large quantities when they deliver meals, so there are often leftovers. Extra quantities may be needed on weekends if extended family members will be visiting.
- Daycare - This could be for small children, elderly people or others who need someone to be with them and/or to care for them.
- Diaper Duty - Parents of twins, triplets or more (!) may appreciate extra help taking care of newborns. This could entail changing diapers, doing laundry, feeding baby(s), rocking baby or just picking up around the house while mom and dad shower (or nap!).
- Transportation - Children may need to be transported to school or extra-curricular activities. Out-of-town relatives may need transportation to and from the airport or hotel. Relatives who do not drive may need to be taken to the grocery or to the hospital to visit. Transportation to doctor appointments may be needed.
- Pet Care - Pets may need to be fed, walked or played with during a hospitalization or extended illness. During a move, it may be best to have the pets cared for at someone else's home for a few days.
- Outdoor Home Care - Mowing the lawn and trimming is a big help to families in crisis. Maybe one of your Team members who is an avid gardener might plant some flowers. Raking leaves and cleaning gutters are big tasks and are very helpful for friends to undertake. In colder winter months, having the sidewalks shoveled is also helpful. Washing the family car could also be suggested for your Team.
- Housecleaning - What a wonderful treat after a hospital stay to walk into a home just cleaned by supportive friends! Housecleaning is also very helpful to a family right before a funeral. Someone on the Team may even offer to pay for a cleaning service.
- Errands - It is often helpful to have a person designated to run errands that may be needed. Returning dishes from donated meals is a great help - consider listing this as an errand to be run once a week.
- Grocery shopping - Your family/friend-in-need will be grateful for someone to make a trip to the grocery. Be sure to ask for a shopping list!
- Other - People are always eager to help - whatever is needed, just add the request! Suggestions: doing laundry, putting up and taking down holiday decorations, hosting out-of-town relatives, writing thank you notes, helping with legal matters or other paperwork.
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