Say ‘yes’

Let me know how I can help.  Whatever you need just let me know, I’m serious. I hear those words all the time and I know they mean it but I don’t always know what to have them do. When I go back to Omaha next week, I’m determined to say yes to more help.

I’m a statistic. I hate that. According to an article in this month’s Real Simple magazine (excellent pub.), the average caregiver in the U.S. is a 49-year-old woman who is also working full-time, is married and has children.  So, close on the age and check, check and… check.

So, about that help. Mom is blessed with a large family and group of friends who want to spend time with her and help. The 11 am through 4:00 hours are my biggest challenge as I’m working on east coast time.  Scheduling visits for Mom during those times would help a lot and empowering those visitors to answer the phone, make lunch, throw a load of laundry in… would be a huge help. During the initial phase we treated everybody as a house guest putting a lot of pressure on the caregiver – going forward those core visitors (friends and family) need to be part of the team.

Oh, I’m giddy with the thought of all that help. I’ll try not to be a tyrant but as the saying goes, be careful what you ask for.