Rather watch? Here’s my video on this ↓
Hi, my Saltines. I’m Courtney, your caregiver’s caregiver, and today’s reminder is a simple one: it is okay to ask for help.
A story
A friend called me about a medical bill. She had been fighting with the company for months and getting nowhere. She was at her wits’ end. And I said, “Let me step in. This is something I know about.” I spent years in medical billing. I know how billing policies work, how discounts and financial assistance work, and what to ask for.
I told her what steps to take. About a month later I got a thank-you note. She’d done what we talked about and got the help she needed. She was so relieved.
All I could think was: how long did she carry that by herself?
We’re not supposed to know everything
I don’t know anything about cars. I don’t know much about cell phones either. When my phone acts up I call my oldest daughter, the techie guru. She says, “I got it, Mom.” Why frustrate myself?
As we get older, we tend to isolate and think we’re supposed to have all the answers. We don’t. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know who to call.
Make your “who to call” list
Sit down with your phone or your address book and go through it:
- Car trouble? “Susan’s husband used to be a mechanic. He’ll know someone.”
- Phone or computer? The grandkid, the neighbor, the library.
- Bills and paperwork? The friend who did bookkeeping.
- The house? Whoever fixed your neighbor’s gutters.
If you don’t want to call, send a text: “Hey, I’m having trouble with ___. Do you know anybody?” People like to help. You’d help them, wouldn’t you?
Write your list in one place. (There’s a whole section for this in The Living Legacy Planner.)
And if you’re stuck with no one to ask, ask me. That’s what I’m here for. Book a free call.