Ask for help / receive offers for help graciously

We are not programmed to receive help. How often is it beat into our heads (from childhood!), “it is better to give than to receive”? Well...the truth, in my opinion is that somebody forgot to close the loop on this little axiom. If nobody receives, it makes it damned HARD to give!

Anyone dealing with a catastrophic illness or aging parent(s) might consider this the perfect time to turn to friends and family – you really need to let them in - to share the load. If you can figure this out, really give it a chance, the road will be a lot less bumpy and considerably more meaningful for you and your circle of loved ones.  You can make the journey memorable!!

I personally believe it is particularly critical while your PALS (person with ALS) is still mobile to get people to take him/her out, for a period of time so that your PALS is safe and entertained. They get a change of scenery, you get some time to yourself, even if it's to take care of chores.  There a bonus....you have something different to talk about besides ALS! This will get harder as your PALS loses mobility, but it's not impossible. You may have to do some negotiating as the disease advances. 

It helps to have friends who have been caregivers!  I always had a backpack stocked (think adult diaper bag!) and several friends learned how to "feed and water" Bill so that he could remain independent and interesting. Bill was really great about going out for up to 3 hours, which was about the maximum capacity of his bladder. He didn't want anyone to help him transfer in the bathroom but me. I thank my lucky stars every day (even today!) that he was willing to let people be that intimate with him! 

Here are some less intimate options for when someone says “I want to help, what can I do?”

• Ask them to cook a meal and make enough for left-overs.
• Have them talk to you as they unload your dishwasher so that you can sit still for 5 minutes and watch them do it.
• Have them arrange for a neighborhood rotation to rake leaves, mow the lawn, trim the roses, etc. Have your PALS supervise the effort.
• Help you (organize a weekly blitz to) change the beds, vacuum, mop, clean the toilets, etc.
• Hand them a shopping list (be specific about brands you prefer!) and your debit card and ask them to go to the grocery store. Even better, take your PALS with them so he/she can help with brand decisions! If your PALS is not in a motorized wheelchair, they can use the motorized carts in the store. They don't have to hurry!!!! Use the time to get a shower, meditate or read.
• Sit still in a chair, on your hands if necessary, and coach them on where things go in the pantry when they get back with the groceries.
  Hand them your bag of dry cleaning and ask them to take care of it the next time they run their errands.
• Ask them to pick up a box of haircolor and a bottle of wine. Set your PALS up with a 90 minute movie and ask them to help you color your hair!
• If you go to the grocery store, and the courtesy clerk asks "would you like help", the only answer is "yes please"!!!!
• Ask the kids in the neighborhood to help decorate your porch for the holidays. It may not be perfect, but it will get done, they'll have a ball and who knows...you might like it better. I often had Bill "supervise" these projects. The kids loved it!
• Consider doing you holiday shopping online and then having friends help you wrap everything. Again...send your PALS shopping with friends and a list.

There are millions of little opportunities! Be creative and allow your friends the ultimate gift of helping you. You aren't a burden! Please consider this...you would be sorely offended if you offered help to a close friend, and they turned you down, if the circumstances were reversed.