87 SEEKING SUPPORT Asking for Help Be willing to accept offers of help. When others are willing to help, try to be open to accepting it. Caregiving can be a full-time responsibility, often leading to stress and health concerns for the caregiver. Don’t be shy about letting others pitch in. Speak up and spread the responsibility. Sometimes friends and family may not know what you need. Be clear about ways they might be able to help. Try to get as many family members involved as possible, even ones who live far away. For example, you might divide caregiving tasks so that one person takes care of medical responsibilities, another helps with money and bills, and another helps with groceries and errands. The more specific your request, the more likely you are to get what you need. Differing opinions about care. Though others offer help, you may not agree with how they provide care. It is okay to allow for different styles, as long as no one’s well-being is at risk. In other situations, you may find that the person offering help may do better with more training or education related to caregiving. You might gently offer information. If you have concerns that the person providing care or the person in need of care is being mistreated or neglected, contact your local Adult Protective Services (APS). APS workers develop service plans for eligible clients to address abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or unmet essential needs of adults.
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