Building Your Support Network and Accessing Respite Care
- ME|FM Society of BC
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know that building a strong support network and accessing respite care are essential for managing these complex conditions.
What Does a Support Network Look Like?
Your support network is unique to you and might include:
Family and friends who understand your condition
Others living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID
Healthcare providers familiar with your conditions
Community resources and volunteer services.
Building Your Network: Start Small
Begin with One or Two People You don't need a large network right away. Start by identifying one trusted person you can talk to about your condition and be specific about what help you need—whether it's emotional support, help with appointments, or assistance with daily tasks.
Educate Your Support People
Share reliable information about your condition with those who want to help. Our website has resources you can share to help others understand ME, FM, and Long-COVID better.
Connect with Others Who Understand
Consider joining:
Online communities specific to your condition
Local chronic illness support groups.
Communicate Your Needs Clearly
Your energy is precious, so be clear about:
What specific help you need
When you might need to cancel plans
How your symptoms affect your availability
Your boundaries around commitments.
Accessing Respite Care in BC
Respite care provides temporary relief for you and your caregivers. In BC, options include:
Home and Community Care Services
Contact your local Health Authority about:
Home support for personal care and housekeeping
Adult day programs for activities and social interaction
Respite services for caregiver breaks.
Community Support
Many communities offer:
Volunteer driver programs for appointments
Meal delivery services
Light housekeeping assistance
Companion services.
Maintaining Your Support
Stay Connected Without Overwhelming Yourself
Send group updates when your health status changes
Use apps to update multiple people at once
Ask a trusted person to communicate for you when needed.
Express Gratitude When You Can
A simple text or card acknowledges support without requiring much energy.
Set Boundaries When Needed
It's okay to:
Decline help that doesn't match your needs
Ask for space when you need to rest
Redirect offers to more helpful forms of assistance.
How We Support You
The ME|FM Society of BC helps you build your network through:
Educational materials to share with your support people
Help navigating systems and services
Connections to local resources.
Getting Started Today
Building support takes time, but start with these simple steps:
Identify one trusted person to talk to about your condition
Join one support group or online community
Research one local resource that might help
Have one conversation about what support means to you.
Remember, asking for help is wisdom, not weakness. You deserve support and understanding as you manage your health.
If you need help connecting with support groups or resources in BC, please contact us. For detailed guidance, download our Caregivers Toolkit.
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