Caregiving

Why Is It Difficult to Ask for Help?

Many of us find it easier and are more comfortable in the role of giving to others rather than asking for help for ourselves. From childhood we learned “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Those in caregiving situations may be reluctant to ask others for help because they feel it is imposing on friends or family who appear to them to be very busy already. They may worry that a loved one won’t be comfortable with others or that no one else can provide care as well as that family caregiver. Perhaps they don’t know who to turn to for support. There may be concerns about privacy issues, or a caregiver may choose not to depend upon others because he or she strongly values being independent. A family caregiver may also feel a strong commitment to caring for a loved one because that has always been their role as a husband, wife, adult child, or parent, and that role is a deeply rewarding one.

“However, there are times in our

lives when the Lord intends for

us to be on the receiving end,

and He brings loving, compassionate 

people into our lives for that purpose.

Lord, help me find a way to give

To someone every day I live,

But show me so that I believe

Sometimes You want me to receive.”

From: Forty Days of Care for the Caregiver by Dr. Vicki L. Gilliam