Providing elderly care for an aging loved one can be overwhelming at times, but you do not have to shoulder the responsibility on your own. Seek additional support from your family, which will be beneficial for you and your loved one. Below are several strategies you can use to ask other relatives for help with your aging relative. 

3 Tips for Asking Family Members to Help With Elderly Care

1. Communicate One-on-One

Ask for support from a family member during a one-on-one conversation so that they do not feel bombarded. Otherwise, they may become defensive and less likely to offer help. Explain to them that you need assistance caring for the aging adult, and ask if there is anything they would like to do. During this conversation, you can also explain how their aid will alleviate your stress and help your elder relative.

2. Be Specific

When seeking assistance from family, it helps to be specific in your requests. If you’re providing daily senior care, your family members may not be fully aware of your routine or the needs of your older loved one. Instead of asking someone to take over your duties for a day or two, provide a specific request. For instance, give them a particular date and time you’d need them. Then, offer a brief overview of what would happen while you’re away, such as mealtimes or activities. Finally, let them know what time they can expect you back. The more details you provide, the more comfortable they will be when they assist with the routine.

3. Assign Jobs

It’s much easier for multiple people to pitch in than it is for one person to do everything. Consider having a family meeting where you can divide tasks, and everyone will have an assigned job. At that time, you and your family can divide the work based on everyone's skills and comfort level. For instance, one person may excel at hands-on care while someone else has the organization skills to keep track of doctors’ appointments and medication schedules. 

Maybe it’s time for your loved one to move into assisted living. West Vue, Inc. is a full-service elderly care facility in West Plains, MO. With locations on Davis Drive and Kentucky Avenue, this community offers several options for aging clients, including independent retirement apartments and a nursing and rehabilitation center. Their skilled staff is dedicated to providing each client with quality physical, mental, and emotional care. Call (417) 256-2152 today to schedule a tour of the center, or visit them online for more details about their services and lifestyle solutions.