Caring Web

Being an Informed Consumer

When Someone Says, "How Can I Help?"

When someone offers to help, say “yes”...

-Ask for an afternoon or evening out.
-Ask for help with the laundry and ironing.
-Ask them to help bundle up and dispose of recyclable materials and/or take out the trash.
-Take time to pick up a book at the library and read.
-Take time to send a card or write a letter.
-Bake a treat or make a meal.

-Ask for help with light housekeeping.
-Do grocery shopping.
-Run an errand.
-Take car in for service or regular maintenance.
-Ask for help with seasonal yard work.
-Ask them to just sit and listen.

 

Remember: Caregiver, you offer one of the greatest gifts anyone can give to another human being. But living life fully includes caring for yourself, too. Keep both in balance and your life’s journey will be rich and rewarding.

Additional Information: The following are some web sites to provide you with more information: Steps to become an informed consumer The journey of caregiving

References:

Continuing Medical Education, Inc. (2003) Vital information for the informed patient and caregiver. Retrieved from http://www.healthieryou.com/

Derstine, J., & Hargrove, S. (2001). Comprehensive rehabilitation nursing. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Family Caregiver Alliance. (2011). Taking care of you: self-care for family caregivers. Retrieved from http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=847

Preventing caregiver burnout: Tips and support for family caregivers. (2010). Retrieved from http://helpguide.org/elder/caring_for_caregivers.htm

The International Caregiver. (2011). Why should a caregiver ask for help? Retrieved from http://takingcareofthefolks.com/why-should-a-caregiver-ask-for-help/

Developed in 2003 by Linda Pierce, PhD, RN at The University of Toledo for Caring~Web©

Revised 2010, 2012