Helping a Friend who is a Caregiver

Part Two in the Series...

Spring into Support: Thoughtful Ways to Help a Caregiver This Season

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, spring often feels like a fresh start. But for caregivers, it can also be a time of added stress. The changing season brings new responsibilities, and while nature is in full bloom, many caregivers find themselves too overwhelmed to fully enjoy it.

If you have a friend or loved one who is caring for someone with a life-limiting illness, spring is the perfect time to show them you care. Here are a few heartfelt ways to help lighten their load and lift their spirits:

1. Bring the Beauty of Spring to Them

Offer to tidy up their flower beds and plant fresh spring blooms outside their home. The vibrant colors and life of a garden can bring a sense of peace and renewal. You might also bring fresh flowers indoors—placing a cheerful bouquet in their kitchen or living room. It’s a simple gesture, but it often brings a smile and a moment of calm.

2. Take Lawn Care Off Their To-Do List

Mowing, weeding, and basic yard maintenance can be daunting for someone managing full-time caregiving duties. Lending a hand with outdoor chores can relieve a major source of stress—and allow them to enjoy the season without feeling buried by responsibility.

3. Organize a Meal Train

Preparing meals can feel overwhelming after a long day of caregiving. Help organize a meal train among friends, neighbors, or church members to deliver nutritious, ready-to-eat dinners. Even one meal a week can make a world of difference.

4. Support Them at the Grocery Store

A simple trip to the store can be emotional. Your friend might pass by their loved one’s favorite foods and be hit with unexpected grief. They may find themselves unsure of what—or how much—to buy now. Offer to go shopping for them or accompany them. Sometimes just having someone by their side offers comfort in a silent but powerful way.

5. Give the Gift of Time

Sometimes the most meaningful gift is your presence. Sit with their loved one so your friend can take a break—whether it’s a short nap, a walk outside, a haircut, or an hour to themselves. Encourage them to care for themselves the way they care for others. Remind them it’s not only okay to take time—it’s essential.

6. Lend a Hand with Housework

Cleaning might seem like a small task, but for caregivers, it often falls to the bottom of the list. Offer to help with basic chores or gather a small group to chip in for a weekly housekeeping service. Even a few hours a week can ease the mental load and restore a sense of peace at home.

Spring is about renewal—and with your support, your caregiver friend can feel reenergized and hopeful. Even the smallest acts of kindness can offer warmth, relief, and a reminder that they are not alone.

Want more tips on how to support caregivers in your community? Reach out to us or subscribe to our newsletter for more ways to spread compassion.

Kristi Nance-Hmurovich MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW is the Counseling Coordinator for Hospice of the Calumet Area. The opinions are the writer's.