Where Are Your Caregiver Boundaries?
January 15, 2020
Boundaries sound like a complicated thing, but they’re actually very simple. As a caregiver, your boundaries include your limitations about what you can do, what resources you have available to give, and what you need for yourself. Respecting those boundaries means that you’re not pushing yourself too far or too hard, which can damage your ability to be a caregiver.
Take Stock of How You’re Feeling
Boundaries exist whether you’ve acknowledged them or not. One of the easiest ways for you to start to notice that your boundaries are being neglected is how you’re feeling. If you’re feeling hurt, resentful, or other negative emotions, that’s a good sign that you’re having some issues around your boundaries. It’s really important for you to start paying attention to your emotions and to what they’re telling you.
Be Honest with Yourself and with Others
If you’re not being completely honest, either with yourself or with others, you’re more likely to put yourself in a position where your boundaries are going to be neglected, ignored, or otherwise abused. Talk to your senior about what she expects from you as a caregiver and likewise what you expect from the caregiving experience. You’re going to learn some things that might surprise you, especially if you’re both honest.
Only Do What You Can Do
You can only do what you can do. The problem for caregivers is that they want to do much more. If that’s you, you’re going to put yourself into a bad situation very quickly. Look realistically at what you have available to you in terms of time, energy, and other resources. All of the various obligations in your life require something of you, including caregiving. If you’re not fully respecting those limitations, it’s going to present issues.
There Are Answers for What You Aren’t Able to Do
Thankfully there are answers for those tasks and situations that fall outside of what you’re able to do. For instance, hiring home care providers is a viable answer when you’re working full time and have only a limited amount of free time to spare. Your senior will still be in good hands and you’ll know what you need to know about what’s going on with her.
Your boundaries may be a mix of what others require from you and what you’re able to give. You may also find that they change over your time as a caregiver and that’s perfectly normal.
If you or your loved one is looking for Home Care in Palo Alto, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990