Building a Support Circle

Caring for someone can be a lot for one person. Other people can share the work. Family, friends and neighbors can each take on one clear task.

A sibling might handle the grocery run. A neighbor might sit with the person you care for while you run errands. Services can help too, like home health aides or adult day programs.

Asking for help in general is hard to act on. "Can you help more?" leaves people guessing what to do.

A specific ask is easier to say yes to. Try asking: "Could you pick up milk on Tuesday?" Naming the task and the day gives them something to say yes to.

A written list of asks helps too, since people can pick one.

Caregiver support groups bring together other caregivers. Groups can meet in person or online.

You can say how hard things feel. You do not have to hold back for the people at home. Others may share practical tips that worked for them.

Key takeaways

• Family, friends, neighbors and services can each take on one clear task.
• A specific request is easier to say yes to than a general one.
• Caregiver support groups offer shared experience and practical tips.

Try it

Write down three tasks someone else could take this week, then ask one person about one of them.