Need Help?

Believe me, I was not real comfortable having people help me with tasks that I could previously do for myself. It came to the point that the pride needed to be set aside. I decided that "it is what it is".

Do you need help? Have you searched out resources? Have you made family and friends aware of your needs? Even if they do not have the time or ability to help you personally, perhaps they know someone...or knows someone that knows someone.

Here's a suggestion on ways to get the help that you need.
(NOTE: As part of my "mind studies" I was taught that "writing causes thinking"...and it really does. Without getting too deep, writing creates a different process in the brain and will create thoughts that you may not have if they had been just fleeting thoughts.)

The first thing is to write down on a piece of paper what you perceive as your needs. Is it really a need or is it a "would be nice"? What is the reason why you feel you need assistance? This wil be helpful when you state your case for assistance request. Next step, write down anything that comes to mind as far as resources. Do not analyze or judge right now...just write it down.

If needed, a visiting nurse is a great benefit to check into with your doctor. After a month at The Legends Rehab, when I was to be discharged, I was offered services which I at first declined. I thought that it would be too much trouble taming our 3 small dogs and besides, I am fine...I don't need any help. Well, I changed my mind and I am so glad I did. My thanks to Ann-Marie and Sarah from the Gardner Visiting Nurses Association. Turns out, they love my dogs and my dogs love them. They have allowed me to feel "safer"...I have lots going on that they keep an eye on.

The American Cancer Society website is a great resource to visit and see what they have that may assist you. Check out their Road To Recovery program that will provide rides to treatments if the patient has limited transportation.

Save some time...I suggest that you talk to a social worker that is available to you either through you doctors office or the facility where you may be receiving treatment. They have access to many resources that will assist you many at low or no cost. (Thanks to Bonnie at AMH)

If you have health coverage issues, speak to a Patient Advocate at your medical facility. (Thanks to Terri Lincoln at AMH.) Terri truly is an advocate! The Legends Rehabilitation Center was an immense help by filing all I needed to get additional coverge with my medical bills.

Your family may be willing to help and all you need to do is ask. You should not assume that they know all your needs. Even though our family and friends love us and are there for us, we must remember that they have a life to be lived. Sometimes, we just have to ask for help.

Help yourself. I encountered this yesterday. I was going to wait for Mark to get home to do something. I thought about it a moment and decided that I could do it and so I did.

Only you can decide if you need help. It is then up to you to find it.

At your service...
Brenda