"Call me if you need me"

Why is it so hard to accept when someone offers help?

Why is it so hard to ask for help?

Accepting help can make a huge difference to your own and your loved one's well-being.

Help can be paid for or can be the offer made by a friend.

Family caregivers are independent and proud, but pride can sometimes get in the way of seeking and accepting help.

If we ask for or accept help it means we cannot do it all and somehow we think we should do it all.

Getting help does not mean an invasion of privacy.

There are many ways to accept help that can take away some worry and fatigue.

The yard may need attention, errands, housework, laundry, painting or cleaning the garage.

Make a wish list.

What are the benefits?

Here are a few:

- You will feel less isolated

- Your loved one may become a little more independent

- Your general "worry level" may be lower

- Your ability to think clearly may increase with less in the back of your mind

Just reducing your workload a little may make a very big difference.

There is a balance between what is practical and what is necessary.