Ideally, caregiving should be a shared responsibility. But, unfortunately, that’s not often the case. Numerous studies show that more than 70 percent of family caregivers providing senior care to a loved one do so without assistance from anyone else. And two out of three family caregivers never ask for help from a family member or friend.
Asking for help is difficult for several reasons, including:
- Fear of surrendering control
- Fear of rejection
- Not wanting to “be a burden”
- Thinking it’s just easier to do it by themselves
For these reasons, many caregivers struggle with unhealthy stress levels, become increasingly irritable and impatient and become ill because they don’t practice proper self-care. If you’re a family caregiver experiencing these challenges, including mental and physical exhaustion, the time has come to ask for help.
Who to Ask For Help
Before asking for assistance, list your caregiving duties and those you need help with. For example, do you need help preparing meals? Running errands? Taking care of housekeeping? Performing personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming? Providing companionship? Identify precisely what you need help with and ask the person you feel can best help in that area.
The second list you’ll need to make consists of people and resources who can help you. Consider including:
Family and friends
Visit these essential people in your life and find out what they have the ability and time to help with. Be sure to talk about duties they are physically able to assist with and discuss the emotional and financial support they can provide as well.
Neighbors
If your loved one has lived in the same home for years, they probably know some of their neighbors quite well and would feel comfortable having you ask them to check in on them and lend a helping hand from time to time. This will take pressure off you and provide greater peace of mind.
A local caregiver support group
Asking other caregivers experiencing the same challenges you are for guidance and encouragement can provide comfort knowing you’re not alone. You can also become a more skilled caregiver by learning some of their methods and techniques that have worked well for them.
Online forums
If you can’t find or physically attend a local support group, use the Internet to connect with other caregivers. Many social media sites have forums and groups you can visit virtually to converse with other caregivers at your convenience and from the comfort of your own home.
Home care agencies
Agencies like Senior1Care exist to help your loved one and your family. They provide a range of services that will take the pressure off you and help your senior loved one age safely at home. Home care agencies and professional caregivers are there to help, whether it be with respite care for a few hours a day or around the clock.
If your loved one lives in Fort Wayne or the surrounding area, contact Senior1Care today and let us know how we can help. We’ll be happy to schedule a FREE consultation to meet your senior loved one and create a personal care plan.
Let us help your loved one age with dignity in the place they most want to be – home.
