Weekly Link Roundup 07/21/2011

This week’s link roundup focuses on the loved ones of those with chronic illness. Coping tools and resources for your friends and family— they need to accept and cope with your illness too. A little bit of guidance, education, and kindness goes a long way.

1. Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend: Written by Lisa Copen (who started National Invisible Chronic Illness Week), Beyond Casseroles explores different ways to help and understand a loved one who suffers from a chronic illness. A great read for anyone not sure how to be helpful to someone who is sick. Remember, little things go a long way. Though this book does have a religious foundation, do not disregard it— there is value in the book’s content regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs.
2. 10 Tips for Visiting Someone Who Is Sick: This article details ten specific tips for making a hospital or home visit more comfortable for both parties. Discussing topics such as what to bring, when to visit, and what to do— this is great for friends and family that seem somewhat uncomfortable when spending time with you and with your diagnoses or disabilities.
3. Well Spouse Association: WSA is a nonprofit organization that advocates for those caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled individual. Organizing support groups and providing online chat rooms, coping skills and various resources, this is a definite resource to share with your spouse or anyone caring for someone that is chronically ill. WSA also provides volunteer opportunities and can direct you to a local support group— or aid you in starting a WSA group in your community.
4. But You Don’t Look Sick Caregiver Support Forum: a great forum for caregivers to seek support, connect with others, and discuss resources. 

Blog of the week: Cupcakes and Cashmere— Not RA related; posts about design, delicious recipes, LA fashion, and DIY.