DEAR ABBY: I was recently discharged from the hospital. Family members have told my husband to call if there’s anything they can do to help. That makes one more thing for my husband to do — make a phone call. I’d like to suggest a better way to help. Family members, please call and TELL my husband what specifically you would LIKE to do to help. Some examples: Bring a meal. Do an errand. Sit with me while my husband goes out to do errands, etc. I think the best thing anyone can do is bring a meal. It’s one less thing for the caretaker to have to do. The food doesn’t have to be homemade; it can be bought. Patient and caregiver still have to eat. Thank you, Abby, for letting me make this point. — HAPPY TO BE HOME

DEAR HAPPY: Your point is well taken. You are right. It never hurts to volunteer what you could do to help someone recovering from a medical procedure. Some suggestions: Do some marketing or laundry or pick up their child from school and take them to the park to burn off some energy.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.