One of the challenges of being a caregiver for a senior is that you may never feel that you are given a break. You may feel that you must simply do what you are asked to make sure that your loved one is well taken care of. However, if you do not learn how to set boundaries, there is a very real risk that you may suffer from burnout.
Learn The Art Of Detached Love
An effective way to set boundaries is to perform what is known as ‘detaching with love.” This is when a caregiver uses methods of detachment. One of the challenges that children of aging parents often face is that they want to impress their parents, but what often must be done to fulfill the needs of someone’s parents can be emotionally draining. To detach, the caregiver must first realize that he or she cannot control his or her parents. This realization is often enough to develop a healthy detachment that allows for the caregiver to set emotional boundaries.
Avoid Emotional Abuse
There are some parents who are emotionally abusive or who are very demanding of their adult children. If you feel that your parents are using abusive methods in order to get you to do what they want, it is best to find someone else, such as an elderly caregiver, to temporarily care for your parents until you have time to recover.
Be Prepared For The Senior’s Growing Needs
The senior’s needs for care are likely to increase over time. It is important to know when it is necessary to seek outside help, either from family members or from professional caregivers. It can be easy to settle into a routine of meeting a growing number of demands, but this will eventually become overwhelming.
Seek The Assistance Of A Home Health Care Agent
Given how difficult it can be emotionally to care for a loved one, it may make sense to bring in assistance from a registered nurse. He or she will be able to provide you with a break so that you can spend time caring for yourself and focusing on your own needs.
