About This Practice
The phrase “it takes a village” was initially used to describe child-rearing, but what if this idea was applied to family caregiving as well? We can’t do this alone. Sometimes, you may feel isolated in your role as caregiver, as if you are the only one holding it all together. This practice challenges you to see the support that exists outside of yourself and build confidence in asking for help. It may feel scary or hard, but keep in mind that taking steps to lessen your stress actually makes you an even better caregiver.
Steps
Take inventory
With your advocate, make a list of people and/or support systems you already have around you. This could be friends, family, groups, community resources, etc. As you create this list, think of people who have offered to help but you haven't yet utilized, or resources that you've heard of but haven't explored.
Identify the help
For each person and resource on the list, identify the help or support they offer. This could be as simple as emotional support or excellent listening. Or, it could include more tangible support such as driving your loved one to appointments or cooking a meal.
Choose one
Look at your list and pick one person and/or resource that you feel would be the most helpful to you right now.
Brave asking
This week, challenge yourself to ask for support from at least one resource you’ve listed. If you’re feeling empowered, reach out to more people on your list. If this feels challenging, practice what you might say with your advocate and identify what steps you’ll need to take to make contact. Remember, asking for help and sharing the caregiver load allows you space to be an even better caregiver.