5 Questions to Determine the Impact of Caregiving
Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of caring for a family member? Will you be able to handle the commitment of moving your parent(s) in with you? How will you know when caregiving has become too much to handle? Will caregiving negatively impact your relationships with immediate family members? When is it time to think about other elder care arrangements?
When aging parents, or an ill family member need help, many of us dive into caregiving with full hearts and little forethought. Sometime later, we come to realize that we’ve been in this role for months or even years and that it has changed us and our lives in striking ways. As a family caregiver, you must take a step back and have a frank talk with yourself. Doing some honest soul searching can help you sort out your priorities, set goals for your loved one’s care, and establish boundaries that will safeguard your own physical and mental health.
Of course, other people’s needs and desires will factor into your care decisions to some extent. However, clarifying your own position will help you find common ground while caregiving. The sooner you have this conversation with yourself, the better.
Questions a Family Caregiver Should Ask Themselves…
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