“Handling events and getting positive feedback from loved ones — even with just a response emoji — can make someone feel calmer, less anxious, and more supported. than in turbulent times,” Newcomer said.
Users can then map out help requests on the calendar to get much-needed support from family and friends. They can choose the level of privacy they are most comfortable with and can make requests for meals, transportation, errands, visitation, babysitting and pet care.
There are direct links to sites like GoFundMe to raise money; Train Meal to create meal delivery schedules from friends or others willing to help; and Shiptwhich coordinates the shopping for groceries, household products, and other items.
There is also a free app (for Iphone and Android) for easy on-the-go access. The novice said, “it’s all about connecting from the inside to the bottom.”
Train Meal
Train Mealwas founded in Burlington, Vermont, in 2010, to distribute meals to friends or neighbors after birth, surgery, or illness.
An online video tutorial takes the person setting up a site (usually a friend of the individual or family in need of assistance) through the process. You can choose to block the day off when the recipient needs a fully prepared meal or groceries like milk, bread, and eggs — an option that can come in handy when my daughter needs snacks or milk and I rushing back to the NICU.
Meal Train creator Michael Laramee says: “It’s hard to ask for help and culturally we want to show the world we’re strong and resilient, so we turned down offers of help. aid. By saying yes to just one offer of support (the organizer’s friend), you can allow others to be there for you in the most helpful ways. “
Offer InKind
Offer InKind was created by Laura Malcolm and her husband James after their daughter Layla was stillborn and designed to help others through challenging moments.
The service allows you or an organizer to request meals, transportation or childcare on your behalf, and even allows you to set up custom requests for assistance. You can also create wish lists for gift cards or other essential items, or collect donations through GoFundMe or PayPal.
There are options to set up a privacy preference that indicates whether you are accepting calls, messages, emails or visitors. I fell in love with this functionality early on in my son’s life. It will make it easier for me to slowly open up my world when my initial reaction is to push others away.
The site also makes it easy to include a link to your Amazon Wishlist or send a pre-made gift box.
Lotsa’s helping hand
Lotsa’s helping hand CEO Matt McCabe explains that “our health care system doesn’t exist without informal carers” or some way for them to coordinate. “Our website is a tool to help people organize care,” he continued. “You are posting a request and others can raise their hands and offer a task.”
As on the other sites, there’s a place for well wishes, notifications, and a photo gallery, but the most useful feature is the care schedule. The care community can easily see which tasks have not been completed and which caregivers have signed up to complete them. They can get reminders by whatever method they like (email, text, etc.) to get the job done.
