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How to Consistently Get Help as a Family Caregiver

Posted: 12/2/2016 11:26 AM by Interim HealthCare

One reason that family caregivers try to take on too much themselves is that they're often used to not having enough help. They may have some help from family or friends, but it might not be consistent. If that's the case for you, try some of these ideas to get help more consistently.

Start with a List or Two
Grab a piece of paper and something to write with and start making a list of all the people that you know who could help you with something that needs doing. You might even want to make another list of all the things that need doing. You can start matching up names from one list with tasks from the other list. Having it all on paper helps you to put the information somewhere that you can see it readily.

Let People Know Your Plans
When you're in the market for some extra help or you simply need help on a daily basis, let people know. Start with the people on your list and inform them about what is going on. People are far more likely to help you when they both know and understand what the situation is.

Ask for Help and Be Gracious
As you're obtaining help for various projects or daily tasks, ask outright for help rather than beating around the bush. If you're not upfront about asking for help, people might misinterpret that as a "help out when they can" situation. They may not understand that you're asking for help right now. So be forthright but also be gracious about your request. You don't always know what's going on with everyone else, just like they don't always understand your exact situation.

Don't Forget about Home Care Providers
For those times when you don't have anyone else to help you out, don't forget about home care providers. There is a lot that these experienced caregivers can help you with and they're a wonderful resource when everyone else in your life is either helping in other ways or unable to help at all.
Don't expect that the situation will turn around overnight, unfortunately. Sometimes it can take a little bit of time for the people in your life to catch up with your new method of operating.

If you have an aging loved one in need of home care contact Interim HealthCare today.