Many people find rewards in helping loved ones, friends, or other patients care for themselves. Family members may find that helping their loved ones self-manage is less exhausting and more rewarding than caregiving. Patients may also benefit from and enjoy helping other patients. You may wind up feeling better about yourself, with the positive feelings that come from doing good work. And whether you are a patient or family member, when you help others, your own self-management skills may improve. 

Helping Family Members - When one person in a family has a chronic illness, everyone in the family may need to change. That’s the bad news. The good news is that these changes can bring better health and closer relationships to the whole family. While illness can put strains on a family, helping each other self-manage can strengthen it. The key is often good communication… Read More 

Helping Peers Manage – Helping peers is good for the peers and good for your health.  Studies show that those who volunteer their time are less likely to die from any cause, compared to those who do not volunteer. Helpers also report fewer colds and headaches, and reduced pain from chronic conditions like arthritis or lupus. 

Just as important, the people you support may become your friends. They may help you and enrich your life in many ways. Read More.