Supporting a Loved One: Knowing When It’s Time to Ask for Help

Supporting a Loved One: Knowing When It’s Time to Ask for Help

Caring for a parent or family member as they grow older is one of the most meaningful things you can do. Whether you’re helping Mum stay independent at home or supporting Dad through the challenges of dementia, being there for someone you love truly matters. But when caring starts to take over your own wellbeing, it’s important to remember that you deserve support, too.

At Home Instead Pocklington and Brough, we see every day how dedicated local family carers are, and how much they give of themselves. Our experience shows that many family carers reach a point where they feel emotionally and physically exhausted, yet they hesitate to ask for help. The truth is, getting the right support doesn’t mean you’re stepping back; it means you’re making caring more sustainable for everyone involved.

When Caring Becomes Overwhelming

Every caring journey is different, but there are some clear signs that it might be time to reach out for extra support or consider respite care:

• You’re feeling isolated or emotionally drained: Caring can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you don’t have others to share your experience with. Connecting with local support or care professionals can make a real difference.
• Exhaustion is catching up with you: When your energy is always focused on someone else, your own health can suffer. Taking a break helps both you and your loved one.
• You’re juggling too much at once: From arranging medical appointments to cooking and cleaning, family carers often take on more than one person reasonably can. Sharing responsibilities helps ease the load.
• Work-life balance feels impossible: Many carers find themselves torn between professional commitments and home responsibilities. Flexible home care can help you find breathing space.
• Other relationships are taking a back seat: It’s natural to prioritise your loved one’s needs, but maintaining other family and social connections is vital for your wellbeing.
• You feel there’s no end in sight: Long-term caring can feel like an endless cycle. With the right care plan and local support, you can regain a sense of control and relief.

Finding Help and Advice in the Pocklington & Brough Area

You don’t have to manage everything alone. There are trusted local and national organisations ready to offer guidance and practical assistance:

• Your GP and social prescribers: They can connect you with local wellbeing groups, activities and carer support networks.
• Charities and specialist organisations: Groups like Alzheimer’s Society, East Riding Carer’s Support, and Parkinson’s UK have dedicated services for carers across East Yorkshire.
• Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire: Offers free advice and resources on everything from finances to emotional support for family carers.
• Re-Engage UK: Brings older people together for companionship, giving family carers valuable time for rest and self-care.

How Home Instead Pocklington and Brough Can Support You

At Home Instead Pocklington and Brough, we’re proud to provide personalised, high-quality home care that supports both older adults and the people who love them. Whether it’s a few hours of companionship care, regular personal care, or ongoing specialist dementia support, our professional Care Team is here to make life easier and more fulfilling.

We tailor every care plan to suit your family’s unique situation, offering flexible help that fits around your schedule and gives you the reassurance that your loved one is safe, happy, and well cared for at home.

Reaching out for help isn’t giving up it’s an act of care in itself. By sharing the responsibility, you’ll have more time to simply enjoy being together.

If you’d like to chat about your caring situation or learn more about how we can support your family, call Home Instead Pocklington and Brough on 01759 486486. We’re always happy to listen and help you find the best way forward.