Listen without rushing to fix
Give your loved one room to talk at their own pace. Reflect what you hear and avoid minimizing the experience, even when you are unsure what to say.
Offer one practical next step
Instead of a broad offer, try something specific: sitting with them while they call, helping review insurance information, or driving them to an appointment.
Know when to seek urgent support
If someone may be in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support in the United States, call or text 988. Do not rely on email or a clinic website during an emergency.