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Finding out that someone you know has been diagnosed with a serious illness can be tough
You may have a lot of questions about the sickness itself, as well as how you should act or speak around your friend or loved one. If you’re close to them, it can also be an emotional and stressful time for you.
Nevertheless, as a friend or close family member, this could be an opportunity for you to show support and care for someone close to your heart. And all it takes is simple, genuine acts of kindness.
Here a few ways you can help a friend or loved one who’s dealing with a serious illness:
1. Be present and try to understand what your friend or loved one is going through. But remember to also give them space.
Image via TLT Chicago
Before meeting your friend or loved one, process your own feelings. If possible, learn about the basics of the diagnosis beforehand. When you get to see them, they may or may not want to talk about the details of their sickness – it can be tiring to repeat the same information to different people.
Also, always ask for permission, whether you’re planning to visit, drop something off, or offer any kind of help. While you want to be there for your friend or loved one, understand that there will be times when your friend will feel tired and want to rest. If your friend or loved one prefers to be alone, give them space.
2. Find out what they need most. While gifts can be thoughtful, sometimes a little extra cash could be a really big help.
Image via The Rakyat Post
Patients dealing with serious illnesses not only have medical bills to pay, they may also have to fork out extra money for follow-up treatment, nursing costs, and changes to their daily lifestyle.
For some people, having company or receiving gifts could help to make their day. For others, a simple gesture of giving some cash might be immensely meaningful and helpful.
3. Don’t offer advice or add unnecessary pressure. Instead, involve your friend or loved one in meaningful conversations.
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A common mistake people make is offering solutions based on hearsay or their own experiences. While they have good intentions, these suggestions can end up adding pressure to the patient.
That’s why you shouldn’t say things like “Did you know my friend’s friend’s friend got well from cancer after eating this supplement?” or “Eh, why you go to that doctor? I heard that doctor so-and-so is the best in handling your kind of case.”
Instead, engage in genuine conversations with your friend or loved one. 🙂
4. Offer practical help, like cooking a meal or doing their laundry
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One of the best ways you can help your friend or loved one is by taking care of day-to-day tasks, so they have one less thing to worry about.
Plan on cooking a meal or sending food over? Make sure that you know their dietary requirements. You could also help them to settle tasks like picking up their children, cleaning the house, or driving them to the hospital. These simple acts of kindness can go a long way.
5. Remember to take care of the caregivers as well, be it their spouse, parents, or children
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For caregivers, most of their time will be spent attending to your sick friend or loved one, so it’s nice to have someone looking out for them too. By helping the caregiver and relieving their burdens, you’ll also be helping your friend.
Some simple things you can do include treating them to a nice meal, sending over a thoughtful gift, or finding ways to make their lives and daily schedules easier. Caregivers also need someone to talk to and process their feelings, so make sure you don’t overlook them.
Dealing with serious illnesses like cancer, stroke, or heart attack can be difficult, which is why having supportive people around is really important. Every little bit of help counts.
Image via Freepik
Serious illnesses can have a domino effect on a patient and their loved ones – physically, emotionally, and even financially. When someone gets sick, he or she may no longer be able to work and earn a salary. Treatment costs can also be expensive, with certain illnesses requiring long-term treatment that can add up over time.
Besides having the constant support of loved ones, having the right financial protection is equally important
Image via Prudential
Thankfully with PRUMy Critical Care, you’ll be covered for 160 conditions, so you won’t have to stress about finances and can focus on getting well.
PRUMy Critical Care offers you a lump sum payout when you’re diagnosed with cancer, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or other critical illnesses. You can use this sum of money for medical bills, income replacement, or however you choose.
Another great thing about PRUMy Critical Care is that it’s customisable to you. Whether you want a more comprehensive plan with medical insurance, or you’re just looking for critical illness coverage, there is a plan for everyone.
Here are the benefits you’ll get to enjoy with PRUMy Critical Care:
Comprehensive financial protection against 160 conditions
If diagnosed with one of the 160 conditions, you’ll receive lump sum payment to help you cover expenses beyond medical costs. It also provides early critical illness coverage on 101 conditions.
Coverage from the early to late stages of critical illness
Whether you are battling with early, intermediate, or late stages of critical illness, PRUMy Critical Care allows you to receive multiple claims for different stages of your illness, up to a total of four times the rider sum assured.
Re-diagnosis coverage for cancer, heart attack, and stroke
With the likelihood of relapse, this insurance solution offers coverage if you are re-diagnosed with the three most prevalent illnesses in Malaysia.
Special benefit for diabetic and joint related conditions
In addition to all the benefits above, you will receive an additional one-time payout of 20% of the rider sum assured if you are diagnosed with diabetic or joint-related conditions.
On top of that, you can also earn up to RM12,500* free cancer coverage with their #StepUpAgainstCancer Challenge
Image via Prudential
Here’s how it works
STEP 1: Download the latest Pulse by Prudential app and sign up under PRUShoppe to start with RM500 Cancer coverage.
STEP 2: Connect your fitness device with Pulse under Account > My Wearable > Select your device.
STEP 3: Take 5,000 steps to earn RM100 coverage amount daily. Earn up to additional RM10,000 coverage amount within 100 days, starting from the first day of sign up.
STEP 4: Boost coverage by RM200 with each new registered Pulse user who signs up with your invite. Earn up to RM2,000 additional coverage amount within the first 100 days of your sign up.
* Terms and conditions apply.
For a limited time, Prudential is also offering Special COVID-19 Coverage 2021 and Post COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage just by signing up. Find out more here.