It is not unusual at all for family caregivers to have a difficult time getting the help that they need. Sometimes this is because they’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn for help, but often the reason for this is that asking for help inspires feelings of guilt.
Try to Let Go of the Guilt
It’s one thing for someone to just tell you not to feel guilty about needing some extra help, but it’s quite another for you to actually start to let go of that guilt. You absolutely cannot do everything yourself. That means that by default, you have got to have help from somewhere, whether that’s other family members or other sources of help.
Make Some Lists to Help You Brainstorm
Sit down with some paper and a pencil. Jot down the tasks that you do every day, every week, and every month. Add the tasks that pop up here and there. Keep writing until you can’t think of any other tasks. Now start thinking about who has offered to help you and your elderly family member. These can be friends, family members, and even neighbors. Start matching up potential helpers with the tasks you could ask them to tackle for you.
Supplement with Elder Care Services
Not every caregiver has a wealth of people in their life who can pitch in and help, unfortunately. This is where elder care services come in so very handy. Home care providers have experience helping caregivers and aging adults with all sorts of situations. They can handle personal care tasks such as bathing and grooming, housekeeping tasks, and even just offering companionship to your aging adult while you take time away.
Assess Your Needs Regularly
Sit down periodically with yourself and assess what you need, what other people are helping you with, and whether they can help you with more. It’s normal to feel weird about this at first, but you’ll find that other people in your life genuinely want to help make your life easier. Let them do so.
As you go through this process more frequently, it will become easier. You might not feel that way at the beginning, but it will come.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Bellevue, NE, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors® Greater Omaha at (402) 215-0308 today.