Support for Moderate, Severe & Very Severe ME/CFS
Specialist Support
Support From Family, Friends & Carers
Use only what is manageable. You do not need to read this page all at once.
Very short version
Help quietly, ask less, offer at most two options, and let short answers be enough.
A little more, if it is useful today:
- Ask yes/no questions, one at a time. Open questions take more energy than they look.
- Keep visits short and quiet. Sitting nearby without talking can be supportive company.
- Avoid asking the person to make decisions when they are struggling. Offer two options at most, or simply say what you have already handled.
- “I’ve brought water and left it here. No need to reply” is a complete, kind sentence.
- Do practical tasks quietly without narrating them or expecting thanks.
- If you are unsure what helps, a bedside support sheet written by the person — when they are able — can tell you. This section includes one.
- Energy used on communicating is still energy. Short is not rude.