Supporting Someone Who Lives Alone

Many people facing cancer return home at the end of the day to a partner, family member or housemate who can help with everyday tasks. Others return to an empty house. 

Living alone doesn’t mean someone lacks resilience, independence or support. It does, however, create challenges that family and friends don’t always see. 

Simple tasks that might normally be shared with someone else can become significant responsibilities during treatment and recovery.  

There may be nobody to notice when someone is having a difficult day, collect groceries when energy is low or provide transport after an appointment. 

For people living alone, practical support can have an especially powerful impact. 

The part that often gets missed 

Many people who live alone become highly skilled at managing life independently.  

As a result, supporters sometimes assume they are coping better than they really are. 

Patients frequently describe wanting to remain independent while also needing support. This can create tension between accepting help and maintaining autonomy. 

One of the most valuable things family and friends can provide is consistency.  

Knowing someone will check in, help with practical tasks or notice if something is wrong can create a sense of safety during an uncertain time. 

How Family and Friends Can Help 

• Check in regularly. 
• Help with groceries and household tasks. 
• Consider creating a roster of support (check out the Gather My Crew app!). 
• Assist with planning for treatment days. 
• Respect independence while remaining available.

Things to Avoid 

• Assuming someone will ask if they need help. 
• Assuming independence means support isn’t needed. 
• Waiting for a crisis before offering assistance. 
• Overlooking practical challenges.