Caregiving When to Ask for Help

Care giving can be a joyful experience that benefits you as well as your loved one.

But care giving can also take a toll on both your mental and physical health.

So when do you ask for help in your care giving journey? The answer is . . . now!

No matter how organized you are or how much time you have to dedicate your life to care giving, there will be times that you will need help.

Life has a way of throwing multiple issues in our path – all at the same time!

The time to think about getting help and taking the necessary steps should start at the beginning of your care giving experience.

So, you think you can do it all? Most care givers are women. We’re programmed to provide for the needs of all our loved ones. • The trouble begins when we begin to neglect our own needs. • At first we just give up a few hours of sleep or the time we usually spend exercising. • Then we stop seeing our friends for social events and activities.

Did you know that care givers are at risk for depression and physical illness at an alarming rate?

How well are you going to be able to give good care if you’re depressed or sick?

There are so many benefits to getting help for care giving.• Not only will you have some time to take care of your own needs, but your loved one will also benefit. • Your loved one does not want to be a burden to you. • By getting some help, they will feel less guilt and enjoy their time with you more! • Start with your immediate family and close friends. • Chances are they’ve been waiting for you to ask them to help.• They have unique qualities that will benefit your loved one. • We all have our own different strengths and those differences can brighten the day of the one you care for.

Know what you need and when you need it!• Think about your own specific needs in regards to care giving.• Perhaps you could really use someone to fix your loved one lunch a few days a week. • Or you really need some time to just go grocery shopping once a week. • Make a list of family members, your loved ones’ neighbors and friends. • Let them know how much you would appreciate their help and how much it would mean to your loved one. • Make sure you also have “back-up plans.” If one person can only help twice a month, find someone else who can “fill-in” for the other days.

When your loved ones’ needs are more than you, family and friends can meet – • At some point, you’ll likely need professional help. • The great news is that BrightStar can be there when you need it.• Their carefully-screened and highly-trained staff members can help your loved one stay in the comfort of their own home and provide them with the care they need. • Even if you just need a weekend off or help on a daily basis, they can be counted on.

The BrightStar team can help your loved one and provide you with peace of mind because caring is our business.

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