Getting More Help
This is a more sensitive topic since some in our community may really struggle to find people who are willing to help, so we first want to acknowledge that and speak to how painful this may be. The goal is always for our community to have as many in their corner, willing to help and lend a hand as possible, so we would recommend reaching out to local resources that may be able to help if available and needed. For those in our community who are able to enlist the help of a neighbor, friend, classmate, adult family member, or child, we really want to emphasize how helpful it may be for you to enlist their help. Asking for help often isn’t easy, but it might make a big difference for you. This may be a nice opportunity for added bonding, and research has also demonstrated that kids are more likely to eat food that they help make!
Some Examples Below:
You can ask children (if old enough) to help you get items out of the cabinets while you sit at the counter.
You can ask family members to help chop veggies, fruits, or other items needed.
You can ask others to help you get out and put away ingredients that you may need.
You can ask others to help you clean up after cooking a meal while you take time to rest.
You can have others help you organize and put away groceries.
You can have others help you with grocery shopping and cooking meals to freeze for potential flare-ups.
You can have others help by stepping in when in front of the oven or stove, so you don’t get too warm and experience worsening symptoms.
You can have others help you maneuver around the kitchen by pushing you in a rolling office chair (when safe and appropriate).
Contributions made by:
Jennifer Dochod, Occupational Therapist, Advisor