Caring for your parents is a rewarding challenge. It’s a good way to ensure your parents have the help they need from someone familiar. You do need to make sure that you set clear boundaries. If you don’t, you could find their demands become overwhelming.
What’s the best way to go about setting boundaries? How do you make sure they stick to the things you state you can and cannot do?
Say No and Stick to It
Learn how to say no and stick to it. Your parents are asking more and more of you, and you don’t have time or energy for one more thing. It’s hard, but you need to say no. Instead, offer to arrange to have someone else help them out. You could ask other family members or hire home care.
Don’t feel guilty when you have to say no. You may not love that you have to turn down a request, but it’s just as important that you care for yourself while you’re caring for your parents. You do the best you can with the time you have.
Set Realistic Priorities
Be realistic when you’re prioritizing your tasks as a caregiver. You have a dozen things to get done, but you have a meeting and that shortens the amount of time you have to get things done. Prioritize what’s most important. Things that aren’t going to fit into your day’s schedule have to wait for another day.
Stop Trying to Go Overboard
Your dad’s birthday is coming up. You know he loves carrot cake, so you’ve found an elaborate carrot cake recipe. The problem is you are short on time because of appointments this week. If you have to buy a cake from a local bakery instead, he’s probably not going to care that you didn’t make a cake from scratch. If he does complain, it’s on him for asking too much of you.
Don’t Lose Sight of Self-Care
You may be helping your family out, but you’re far more than a family caregiver. You’re a human with feelings and needs of your own. You need to socialize and have time for yourself. Don’t forget that.
Make sure you’re taking breaks and caring for yourself. Self-care is just as important as the care your parents need. Homecare services include things like respite care that afford you the chance to take a day, a few days, or even a week or two off while you focus on self-care. on your own mental, emotional, and physical health. Call our homecare agency to learn more.
