Help for Caregivers

When to ask for help

If you are feeling anxious, stressed or a little overwhelmed then it is time to ask for help. Other signs you know it’s time for additional help include:

Feeling lonely. You need some time with friends and family.
You are angry at the person(s) you are caring for. Time to take break and regenerate!
You sleep less and are cranky. Even just taking a half-day off for yourself can help improve your mood.
You have neglected your own health and wellbeing. Don’t forget to Remember You! Be sure to prioritize your health.

How to ask for help

A lot of caregivers, and people in general, feel that asking for help is admitting defeat. It’s not! Even if you don’t feel that way, asking for help is not easy. Sometimes sharing your situation with others can generate a helpful discussion resulting in additional resources and ideas. Here are some tips to help:

Be realistic. When asking someone for help be realistic of what that person can give. For example, someone who works full-time and has children may not be able to offer a lot of help but might be able to deliver a meal or call and check on your loved one.
Compile a list of people who you believe will help. Then next to the names write what tasks they might be able to help with. Be sure to ask people what they are comfortable with and want to help with.
Be specific in what you want help with. Instead of asking, “Do you mind helping me?”, you should give exact details. “I need help getting dad to the doctor on this date and time. Are you able to assist?”
Be flexible. If a person can help and it falls outside of your schedule, perhaps you can adjust and move a few things around to allow that person to help more.
Think ahead so helpers have a few a days to complete a task or adjust a schedule.

Employee Assistance Programs

An employee assistance program (EAP) generally offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees. Seek guidance from your employer’s human resource department to discover what programs may be available to you. EAP’s can vary in areas of concern. Some EAP’s include: