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Setting Boundaries as a Family Caregiver

Learn about setting boundaries as a family caregiver.  

6 TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS TO SET REALISTIC BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Providing care for another person has the potential for burnout, stress, fatigue, and losing sight of your own personal life.

Because of the physical, emotional, and financial demands, it’s important for all caregivers to have realistic expectations and set healthy boundaries to provide a balance between their older adult’s needs and their own.

After all, when you feel better, you’ll be able to provide better care to your older adult. Here are 6 ways to set expectations and boundaries that will improve quality of life for both of you.

1. Know what you’re up against

Whether it’s Alzheimer’s, cancer, or another health condition, find out as much as you can about it. Learn about the stages of progression and the symptoms that accompany each stage. The more you know about what to expect, the better you can prepare for what’s to come.

 2. Be realistic about their state of mind

The person you are caring for may not say “thank you” often enough when you’re helping them. They might have spells of irritability or reclusion. They may be disinterested in some of the activities you propose. Remember that the person’s health condition is causing them to experience a range of emotions on top of any physical pain. That may be affecting their reasoning, mood, and people skills.

 3. Be prepared to say no

Saying no might be the hardest thing to do as a caregiver. But sometimes a person receiving care might request to do something that is unsafe or unreasonable for either them or yourself. Things like not wanting to eat, drink, bathe, clean, or throw away clutter are all situations where you may have to put your foot down.

4. Ask for help

One of the worst things a caregiver can do to themselves is expect to be able to take on the job alone. This is a recipe for stress, fatigue, and burnout. Be realistic about the number of hours you can dedicate to care without sacrificing the responsibilities of your job, household, and family duties. Lean on help from nearby relatives or professional care to fill in the remaining gaps.

 5. Make time for yourself

It’s important for caregivers to spend some time alone or doing something they love. Whether it’s taking a good book to your favorite park, playing a round of golf, or doing some yoga, it’s critical for your own mental and emotional health to take a step back from your caregiving role and recharge your battery.

6. Make time for family and friends

Just as it’s important to set expectations around your personal time, it’s equally vital to do the same for your own family and personal relationships. Without setting those clear expectations, caregiving can place tremendous strain on relationships with spouses, children, and close friends.

As a caregiver, which boundaries do you feel are important to set?

How do you feel about setting those boundaries?

How do you think setting boundaries could help you avoid burnout?

(Source: 6 Tips for Caregivers to Set Realistic Boundaries and Expectations – DailyCaring: https://dailycaring.com/6-tips-for-caregivers-to-set-realistic-boundaries-and-expectations/#:~:text=6%20Tips%20for%20Caregivers%20to%20Set%20Realistic%20Boundaries,6%20Make%20time%20for%20family%20and%20friends.%20)