Caregiving allow others to be there to help and support you through your caregiving journey. How can loved ones offer you help and support if they are in town or out of town? • Talking to a trusted support who will allow you to vent when emotions are running high • Providing respite in person or paying for respite so that you can get a much-needed break or vacation • Going grocery shopping for you or having groceries or food delivered to your front door • Helping you do home chores, gardening, lawn care, fixing something around the house, or paying for a service that can do the work If you don’t feel comfortable asking for help with the large things, start with small things and work your way up to bigger ones. It might be helpful to write a list of items or tasks you need so that when someone is offering help, you’ll have it handy. Always consider a person’s skills and abilities when thinking about how they can help. Everyone can’t do every task you need, and that’s okay too. Lastly, asking for and accepting help from others isn’t always easy. It can cause you to feel awkward and uncomfortable. However, the best thing you can do as a caregiver is to get external help and support. You’ve got this! Remember that there are people around you who want to help—so, let them!
How to Ask for Help and Support By Tonetta Clay, Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Asking for help and support as a caregiver can be daunting, but if you don’t ask, how will others know that you are frustrated and overwhelmed? You are often busy caring for others, which leaves little time for your own self-care, which can include much-needed doctors’ appointments and procedures. Neglecting your own care will start to affect your mental and physical health, which is not good for you or your loved one. How will you know when you need help? Here are a few signs to watch for: • Becoming easily frustrated, impatient, or angry • Feeling anxious, exhausted, or overwhelmed • Feeling sad, hopeless, or lonely • Experiencing frequent headaches, upset stomach, or other physical symptoms How can you say “yes” to help? When someone offers help, practicing saying “yes” can go a long way. Remember that you are not a failure or burden, and it is okay to say “yes” to help from others. With a phone call, text, or email you can reach out to family, friends, and/or neighbors. It is the way you feel comfortable reaching out that matters. Just remember to
An Aging and Caregiving Specialist can be a support for caregivers by providing an individualized approach with planning care, resources to connect you with the services you need in the community, and ongoing support. Please call our Helpline at (520) 790-7262 to connect with an Aging and Caregiver Specialist.
Meet Our Family Caregiver Support Group Specialist
Tonetta has spent her career providing services to children, families, and adults, and has worked at PCOA for nearly three years. She facilitates our Caregiver Support Groups, providing informal caregivers with a safe space to openly express their struggles caring for a loved one. In her spare time, she enjoys baking sweet treats, walking trails, and nature photography.
Tonetta
Page 14 | July & August 2025, Never Too Late
Pima Council on Aging
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