When someone is navigating a complex illness or long-term health challenge, support often comes in waves. Starting off strong, with friends, family and loved ones rallying to provide immediate assistance, then slowly fading over time. 

But when an illness is ongoing, consistent support can be even more impactful than short bursts of help.

So how do you create a support system that lasts? 

Here are some things to consider:

Think Beyond the Immediate Crisis

Most people rally around patients during the diagnosis or treatment phase, but in reality, many of them continue to need help during early survivorships. Planning for long-term needs from the start helps create support that doesn't vanish when the initial urgency fades.

Use Structured Tools to Organize Help

Instead of relying on scattered text messages, excels, or initiatives started with the best intentions alone, structured tools (like Maitri) make it easier to coordinate and sustain support. A clear system helps prevent support fatigue and help distribute tasks, alleviating the burden of those who care for us the most, and allowing for more opportunities to chip in. 

Create Rotating Support Roles

Caregiver burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but when one or two people are carrying the entire load, things get tough. Whether it’s meal prep, transportation, or check-ins, spreading the responsibility among family, friends, and even community members can help lighten the load. 

Set Up Recurring Check-Ins

Rather than waiting for someone to ask for help, pre-schedule recurring check-ins. A simple “Hey, how’s it going?” every Sunday for example, makes a huge difference in keeping support consistent.

Normalize the “Help Cycle”

Support shouldn’t be a one-way street. Encourage a give-and-take mindset where help is part of a cycle. People will gladly show up when you need support. Even more so when they feel like  the system will be there for them too during their time of need.

Automate and Plan for Gaps

Life gets busy. Automating support when you can, whether it’s meal deliveries, scheduled calls, or pickups ensures that even when individuals get caught up in their own lives, your support system doesn’t completely disappear.

Keeping support organized and shared creates a consistent and manageable space for everyone to get involved over time rather than disappear after the initial urgency fades. 

You can do it. We can help.