12 Real Ways to Get Help as a Caregiver
- Melinda Babin
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
You’re doing more than most people realize. These are real, doable ways to get help, shared by people who’ve been there.
If you’ve ever felt like it’s all on you, you’re not alone. Most caregivers start with one or two small tasks and somehow end up carrying the weight of what seems like eveyrthing. You manage schedules, meals, medications, moods, and you do it quietly.
And even when help is offered, asking can feel like a job in itself. The explaining. The prep. The follow-up. Sometimes it’s just easier to do it yourself, even when you’re already exhausted.
But the truth is: help doesn’t have to be perfect to be helpful. The smallest shifts, one task off your plate, one errand covered, one honest answer to “How are you doing?” can start to change the shape of your day.
These 12 ideas are here to make that easier. Some are free. Some are creative. All are possible. Try one. Let it be enough for today.
1. Trade Time, Not Money
Swap small tasks with a neighbor or friend.“I’ll pick up your groceries if you go for a walk with Mom while I’m at the doctor.”
🔗 Nextdoor
2. Use a Task-Only Text Thread
Start a family group chat just for caregiving help. Keep it focused and concrete.“Can someone check in on Tuesday at 10:00?” works better than “I’m overwhelmed.”
3. Block a Weekly ‘Outsource Hour
Once a week, spend 30 minutes handing off errands: order groceries, schedule meds, book laundry pickup.Start small, but make it a routine.
4. Hire a Teen for Small Tasks
You don’t need full-time care to get help. Local students can do tech setup, yard work, or pet care.It’s low-cost and often a big relief.
🔗 Care.com, local colleges
5. Ask Your Pharmacy for Med-Sorting or Delivery
Some offer free pre-sorted pill packs or home delivery. One ask can save hours over time.
🔗 PillPack or ask your local pharmacy
6. Say Yes, Even If the Help Isn’t Perfect
If someone says, “Let me know how I can help,” 👋 Say: “Can you bring dinner Tuesday?”
When someone offers help, don't over think it or say thanks for asking. Assign one small, specific task that won't need to be managed by you. Such as a premade meal, helping Mom weed the garden, picking up and droping off donation items, etc. Pick something, you'll both be happy.
7. Let Faith or Community Groups In
Churches, synagogues, and mutual aid groups often have people ready to help—they just need to be asked.
🔗 Meal Train , local groups
8. Try a Meal Swap
Team up with two other households. You cook one night, they each cover one. That’s two nights off your plate.
9. Give Long-Distance Family a Job
Just because they’re not nearby doesn’t mean they can’t help. Assign things like paying bills, scheduling, or managing medical records.
🔗 CaringBridge Planner | Shared Google Sheets
10. Install One Smart Device to Reduce Check-ins (and ease your mind)
Tech can ease the mental load. A motion sensor or door camera can reduce constant worrying.
Try:
🔸 Wisdom – A caregiver-friendly smart home system that learns routines and alerts your trusted circle when something’s off
11. Ask About Free Respite Care
Many local aging agencies offer vouchers for short-term relief, even just a few hours. You deserve that time.
12. Be Clear About What You Need
Skip “I’m fine” when you’re not. Try: “I need two hours off Saturday, can you sit with Dad from 2 to 4?”
🔗 Caregiver Action Network for support scripts
📌 Save this. Print it. Share it with someone who needs a break.
