Care giving can be a joyful experience that benefits you as well as your loved one. But care giving can also take a toll on both your mental and physical health. So when do you ask for help in your care giving journey? The answer is . . . now!

1. Caregiving
When to Ask for Help

2. Care giving can be a joyful experience
that benefits you as well as your loved one.

3. But care giving can also take a
toll on both your mental and
physical health.
So when do you ask for help in
your care giving journey?
The answer is . . . now!

4. No matter how organized you are or how
much time you have to dedicate your life to
care giving,
there will be times that you will need
help.

5. Life has a way of throwing multiple issues in our path –
all at the same time!
The time to think about getting help and taking the necessary
steps should start at the beginning of your care giving
experience.

6. So, you think you can do it all?
Most care givers are women. We’re programmed to provide for
the needs of all our loved ones.
• The trouble begins when we begin to neglect our own needs.
• At first we just give up a few hours of sleep or the time we
usually spend exercising.
• Then we stop seeing our friends for social events and
activities.

7. Did you know that care givers are at risk for depression
and physical illness at an alarming rate?
How well are you going to be able to give good care if you’re
depressed or sick?

8. There are so many benefits to getting help for care
giving.
• Not only will you have some time to take care of your own
needs, but your loved one will also benefit.
• Your loved one does not want to be a burden to you.
• By getting some help, they will feel less guilt and enjoy their
time with you more!
• Start with your immediate family and close friends.
• Chances are they’ve been waiting for you to ask them to help.
• They have unique qualities that will benefit your loved one.
• We all have our own different strengths and those differences
can brighten the day of the one you care for.

9. Know what you need and when you need it!
• Think about your own specific needs in regards to care giving.
• Perhaps you could really use someone to fix your loved one
lunch a few days a week.
• Or you really need some time to just go grocery shopping
once a week.
• Make a list of family members, your loved ones’ neighbors
and friends.
• Let them know how much you would appreciate their help
and how much it would mean to your loved one.
• Make sure you also have “back-up plans.” If one person can
only help twice a month, find someone else who can “fill-in”
for the other days.

10. When your loved ones’ needs are more than you,
family and friends can meet –
• At some point, you’ll likely need professional help.
• The great news is that BrightStar can be there when you need
it.
• Their carefully-screened and highly-trained staff members can
help your loved one stay in the comfort of their own home and
provide them with the care they need.
• Even if you just need a weekend off or help on a daily basis,
they can be counted on.
The BrightStar team can help your loved one and provide
you with peace of mind because caring is our business.

11. Find Quality Care Now
Locate a BrightStar Near You!