How to Ask for Help

A major risk for caregivers is isolation. Focusing on the needs of a loved one can lead to ignoring your own needs and removing yourself from pursuing your own interests. You may be reluctant to ask for help, and when people ask if they can help, you may reply, “Thank you, but I’m fine.”

Many people care about you and want to be of assistance and it is a gift to them to allow them to support you. Possible sources of support include:

• Family members
• Friends
• Your place of worship
• Neighbors

There are also resources in every community that can provide support:

• Your local organization for seniors or the aging
• Social workers, counselors or therapies
• Organizations specific to the illness of your loved one, such as the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, and others

It might be good to prepare a list of things people can do that are specific requests. Examples might be:

• Taking the person you care for on a 15-minute walk.
• Picking up a few things for you at the grocery.
• Assisting you with filling out insurance papers.
• Helping you with meal preparation.
• Helping you with yard work.
• Sitting with your loved one while you attend worship services or go to the grocery.

When you break down the jobs into simple tasks, it makes it easier for people to help. They are just waiting for the opportunity.