Be specific in your requests for help. Consider what each person can do, such as providing help while you're gone, or spending a few hours a week talking or reading to your carereceiver. Be realistic about how long you'll need this help. Helpful support services are available through your local office for the aging, public health nursing services and governmental, nonprofit or private agencies. It's important to know the eligibility requirements and procedures for getting these services.
Some services are free, some have a fee and others are available on a sliding fee scale.
Regardless of income level, seek appropriate help if you need it, in consultation with the elderly carereceiver. You may be able to receive special training for people who are caring for someone at home. You may wish to join support group discussions with other caregivers to learn from their experiences, share frustrations and problem solve together. It can be a tedious process to find, obtain and use support services. Local offices for the aging can help provide you with information and refer you to an appropriate source of help.