People frequently say, “What can I do for you?” or “How can I help you?” People rarely know how to answer that question. If you are an adult caregiver, keep a list of needs that can be met by friends, family, and neighbors who offer help. Here are a few suggestions:
-One hour of your time. Ask for an hour when you can sit out in your yard or run to the store. Ask for two hours to go to the salon. Ask for three hours to visit a friend outside the home.
-Visit the parent. Hold the hand of the older person. Watch their favorite television show or movie. Sing songs with them. Help them do a jigsaw puzzle. Read a short story, magazine article, or joke book with them. Look through photo albums. Sit on the front or back porch and talk to the neighbor’s cows across the fence. Identify bird calls. Play cards. Color pictures.
-Buy supplies – Running to the store can be a challenge when giving full-time care to a parent. Make a simple grocery list. Text photos of items that may be harder to remember, like specific brand products.
-Someone to talk to. Ask people to give you some listening time so you can process events in your life.
As an adult caregiver, you cannot do everything without the help of many workers, family, and friends. I’ve noticed that many people find great joy in doing something meaningful for others. Help people to find joy and delight in being your hands and feet. Take them up on the offer when they ask, “How can I help you?”
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