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Five Tips for Getting Help from Family without Starting Fights 

July 5, 2019
Linda Kunicki
As a caregiver, you’re probably looking constantly for ways to get the help that you need. The obvious choice is to ask family members for help, but sometimes that can lead to arguments.

What Is, Is

You know what you’re dealing with already in terms of help from your family members. There may be a chance that you can educate them about how to help you and your senior effectively, but that chance might be slim. If you already are aware that you’re not going to get the help you need, you might need to let the idea go without trying too hard to convince them otherwise. That can be the best answer for you in terms of stress levels.

They Have a Different Idea of Help than You Have

One thing to remember is that your idea of help might be different than theirs is. For you, a little help from them might be running an errand or tackling a small task. When they hear you ask for help, they might be thinking that there’s no way that they can do all the things that you do every day. It might be as simple as defining very specifically the help you’re asking them to provide.

Look for Tasks They Can Handle

If you can get everyone on the same page, it’s time to look for tasks that the people you’re getting help from can easily handle. You might have a relative who works at a grocery store, for instance. It might be no big deal for her to pick up two or three things you need for dinner one night, for instance. Other family members might be able to handle other tasks. Just remember to be specific.

Be up Front about What You Need 

When you do go about asking for help, make sure that you tailor your request to the person you’re asking and be up front about what you need. Don’t hem and haw about it or use euphemistic language. Be open and concise and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared to hear a “no.” 

Don’t Let Them Be Your Only Plan

Your family members don’t have to be your only plan for help. Sure, it would be nice, but if getting help from them always results in arguments, you need to move on from this idea. It’s not worth your sanity to try to convince them to help.

Take a deep breath and remember that you don’t have to go through caregiving alone. Hiring elder care providers to bolster your support system is a fantastic way to get the help that you need, exactly when you need it most.

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN LA GRANGE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.