Each day in February, we’ll share a way that family members and friends can help the family caregiver in their lives. (A family caregiver is an individual who cares for a family member or friend, just like you.) Through our campaign, we hope to create awareness of what family caregivers do and how others can help.

Today’s tip comes from Helen (@storycrafter), who helps her husband and her father: Ask how my day was, and just listen to me with kindness.

Why this tip is important: "I listen to, decipher spoken and unspoken needs, and support my carees every day all day. To have someone listen to me without giving advice (unless I ask for it) is an important outlet. It provides relief, a place to safely vent, and affirms my care. It especially gives me strength to carry on as a 24/7 caregiver. Have the courage to listen to me kindly, respectfully, without trying to "fix it.' Such unconditional listening builds me up instead of draining me even more."