Without a strong support system, individuals who are suffering from a serious illness will find it difficult to cope. There is no shame in asking for help. Often, people feel ashamed to ask for help with their situation or feel as if they are bothering others. When someone is dealing with a chronic illness, they need to know when to seek help to make it through.

Why Is It So Difficult to Ask for Help?

No one should ever be embarrassed about asking for help. Sometimes, it is appropriate to find a hospice near me, so full help can be received.

Friends will often offer help for individuals who are suffering from illness, but the ill person may not ever follow through and ask. For some reason, it can be very difficult to admit one needs help. The following are some of the top reasons people will not ask for help.

  • People often feel they are incompetent if they have to ask for help.
  • A person may have asked for help in the past and gotten the cold shoulder.
  • Individuals are often afraid of asking for help for fear of judgment.
  • Pride is also a common reason people avoid asking for help when they are ill.

Asking for help can be overwhelming when a person is trying to take care of themselves or a loved one during an extensive illness. The experts recommend entrusting a friend to be their care coordinator. This person can recruit help from others and ensure all the needs are met.

Preparing a List Is Helpful

Preparing a list of the tasks a person needs help with can be beneficial for those who are ill or are caregivers. Often, being prepared with a list will allow individuals to accept help more easily because they can be specific with their needs.

It is wise to sit down and think about all the needs. Writing them down and then organizing them according to importance can help individuals to be better prepared to ask for help and accept it when it is offered.

Hospice Care May Be an Option

When a loved one is suffering from a prolonged illness, it is often difficult knowing when to seek hospice care. It is important to note that hospice care is not about death. It is about making the most of life while a person is still alive.

Knowing the signs to look for, to know when to seek hospice care, is important. If a loved one is exhibiting the following, it may be time to seek professional help.

  • There have been frequent visits to the ER and many hospital stays.
  • The individual has recurring infections.
  • A person is losing their desire to eat or refusing to eat.
  • There has been a rapid decline in the person’s health over the last six months.
  • Pain is uncontrolled.
  • The individual can no longer care for themselves.
  • The individual has decided to focus on quality for the rest of their life instead of going through aggressive treatments.

Conclusion

Dealing with a serious illness, whether you are the sufferer or a loved one, can be difficult in many ways. Asking for help can be embarrassing, but no one should ever feel shame for admitting they cannot do it alone. With help from hospice, individuals suffering from lengthy illnesses can receive the help they need.