StrokeSurvivorBlog

When Steve had his stroke in February 2008, I was warned by other caregivers and many health care professionals to take care of myself or I would get worn out. What good would I be to Steve in that condition? Dozens of friends and family offered their help to give me respite by saying, “If I can do anything, just let me know.” Respite literally means a rest or break from the demands of caregiving. I appreciated their offers, but everything was too fresh, and I didn’t know what I could delegate to others. And I knew Steve wouldn’t be comfortable with just anyone staying with him.

As time went on, I did start to grow weary of the daily caregiving responsibilities and household upkeep. Even though there were many offers of help, I didn’t know how to fit the task to the person. It was easier for me to call on people when they would offer to do a specific thing. But when their offers of help were broad like “if I can do anything, just call”, I never called even though I needed the help. Part of me was also reluctant to find out how many of those well-meaning offers were really sincere. So I kept calling our two eldest daughters when I needed respite. But they had jobs and families of their own, and soon they would grow weary too.

Often times it is hard to ask others for help, or to know what to tell people who ask “What can I do to help?” To make asking for or receiving help easier, National Stroke Association has partnered with Lotsa Helping Hands to give family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and others an easy and immediate way to help as the stroke survivor and family adjust to the demands of stroke recovery. Lotsa Helping Hands, is a free, personalized online tool offered through the National Stroke Association website to organize a community of family and friends who want to help. With this private group Web calendar, people can see what help is needed and when, so everyone can pitch in to help make the recovery process run more smoothly.

Visit Lotsa Helping Hands Now