Tips for Asking for Help as a Family Caregiver

Family caregivers typically need far more help than they get. Because they’re constantly on the go, they tend to get themselves so stressed that they’re not even sure what they need anymore. If this is you, then you need to learn how to get more help for your loved one.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

Often caregivers are afraid to ask for what they really need, which is more help. It might be that you think that friends and family would help if they had time to or you think they don’t want to help. It’s equally plausible that they don’t offer to help more because they don’t realize that you need help. It’s time to put fear or discomfort aside and let the people who love you know how they can help.

2. Delegate Some Responsibility

When friends and family don’t know how to help you, they probably won’t offer. So the way around that is to delegate responsibilities to others. You can do this by simply assigning a task, such as making older children accountable for their own laundry, or you might want to try asking firmly but politely.

You have to be prepared to hear “no,” though. Some people simply don’t have the time to help, and that’s okay. This is when it’s time to consider other avenues, such as hiring elder care providers who can help.

3. Have Regular Family Meetings

The more your other family members understand about just what your loved one’s needs are, the more likely they’ll be to help out more often. If you can hold regular family meetings, either in person or virtually, then they can keep up with what’s going on with your loved one. The meetings don’t have to be long or formal, just a way to keep everyone up to speed.

4. Make Your Default Answer “Yes”

Family caregivers are good at telling people that they can handle everything on their plate and that they don’t need help. But it would serve you better to make your default answer to offers of help “yes.” Even if the person asking isn’t offering exactly what you need, you can adjust. For example, your answer can be, “Yes, that would be great, but can you run these errands for me?” Of course, the task can vary depending on what assistance is offered and what you actually need.

Contact Sonas for Home Care Services in Florida

Getting the help that you need is essential for both you and for your loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.