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Home » Is it Possible to Have Privacy as a Caregiver?
One of the things that you might fear you’ve given up for good as a caregiver is your privacy. Whether you and your senior are living in the same place or not, you can sometimes feel as if you’re constantly bumping up against each other, literally and figuratively.
These ideas can help.
Give Yourself a Space that Is Your Own
Whether you and your senior live together or not, you need at least a small space that is your very own. This might even be a corner of the living room or the back porch where you can go and sit for five minutes when you need to do so. Carve out that space for yourself and make it clear that it’s your spot when you’re there.
Enforce Your Boundaries
Boundaries feel mean to a lot of people, but they’re not. They’re a way for you and for the people you love to know what’s acceptable and what isn’t. For example, if you and your elderly family member live together, one of your boundaries might be that her television needs to be turned below a certain volume when you’re ready to sleep.
Make and Keep Appointments with Friends and Family
When did you last go somewhere with other family members or with friends? You need to be able to go out now and again rather than just staying with your senior. This is actually good for both of you because it gives you a break from each other. Start reaching out and making appointments to meet up with people that you care about so that you can start getting back in touch.
Ease Your Fears by Getting Some Backup in Place
It’s difficult to take any sort of time for yourself, even in another room, if you’re worried about your aging family member. Hiring senior care providers can give you that space that you need. Senior care providers can ensure that your senior is in good hands while you focus on the issues that really need your time and attention. And when it’s time for you to take a break, you can take one without experiencing the guilt that would normally stop you.
Maintaining your privacy, especially if you and your elderly family member live together, doesn’t have to feel like an impossible goal. You absolutely can make sure that she’s got her needs met and that you still have a space to call your very own.