Is your loved one resistant to having any kind of help from “outsiders” (often, anyone who isn’t you)? Sometimes the person you’re trying to help can be your biggest impediment to help!

Here are three strategies to get around that block:

1. Consider what kind of help the person traditionally made an exception for. So, for example, someone who never hired help but always followed the advice of clergy or a doctor might be open to hearing the need for certain kinds of assistance from one of these professionals. Or someone who grew up with cleaning help or a cook may be open to that kind of household help, which would at least free you up for caregiving chores.

2. Make the presence of help sound commonplace. Some people are more accepting if they know it’s what their peers do: “Jane’s parents have a maid, Mom” (even if that person is really a personal aide).

3. Appeal to prestige interests. Some people are swayed by exclusivity or impressive credentials: “This is the best neurologist/geriatric care manager/moving consultant in town, Dad.” Or, “It usually takes six months to get an appointment with this doctor, but she has an unexpected opening and can see you next week.”