Caregivers Need to Set Boundaries

And not give into guilt.

Like most people, I struggle with setting boundaries. It is especially hard with an aging parent who may feel vulnerable or frightened if you are not around. But setting boundaries with your parent, co-worker, or anyone in your life, is critical to the self-care that must be a high priority for caregivers.

Request and expectations of others tug at me because I want everyone to be happy – with little regard for my own well-being. I am learning that saying no to a third trip to the grocery store in one weekend is OK. And that talking about the request often results in a solution that would not have been possible with a simple (and resentful) yes.

A month ago a ran across the website Daughterhood.org. Started by Anne Tumlinson, I appreciate the insight and caring work of this group. Anne has sent spent her entire career working in government doing policy research and consulted to nursing homes, assisted living providers and home care companies to improve how America delivers and pays for the care of our aging loved ones.

Please read her article “5 Lessons in Setting Boundaries that Every Caregiver Must Learn” I found it inspiring and helpful. I hope you will as well.

Used with permission from Daughterhood.org

Disclaimer: The material in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace, nor does it replace, consulting with a physician, lawyer, accountant, financial planner or other qualified professional.