How to Ask for Help

Some caregivers find it really difficult to ask for help, but it gives others the opportunity to help and contribute to your family member’s recovery. You would most likely be willing to help them if the situation were reversed.

Tips for asking for help from others:

• Write down the names of those who offer. Use the Possible Home Care Volunteer form to keep track of potential volunteers.
• Make a list of everyone close to you and the service member or veteran who can be part of the caregiving team. Include names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• Check into organizations that specialize in helping with homecare. Your case manager or healthcare team can offer assistance with this.
• Once you have a list of names of willing volunteers, call or create an email group to invite others to help.
• If you do not have access to a computer, ask a friend who is tech savvy to help send out a group email.
• Keep a large calendar near the phone. As you schedule others to help, jot down their names, the tasks they will do, and their availability.
• Identify specific tasks that others could help with. For example, ask someone to go grocery shopping or come over and spend time with your family member while you take care of other issues.