Frequently Asked Questions

As a caregiver, the easiest way to know if you’re providing a healthy amount of control over your senior is to look for red flags. When your intentions are good, but your outcome is bad, there are probably some overbearing qualities you have that you can fix. To determine if you are caregiving or overbearing, ask some of these questions:

• Can you see an increased dependence or laziness in your loved one that doesn’t have to do with physical or mental limitations?
• Is your loved one's progress stagnant or on a decline for seemingly no reason?
• Are you overwhelmed with their care to the point of causing your own burnout or health issues?
• Has your relationship deteriorated due to your care behavior?
• Are you avoiding letting others make decisions including other family members or medical professionals?

If you find yourself answering, 'Yes' to these questions, it may be time to see if you need to take a step back from caregiving. Maybe you need a short break and other family members can help care for your senior. Perhaps it is time for your family to look into outside help in the form of adult day care services or in-home care. Regardless, remember to keep your senior's needs and quality of life in the forefront of your thoughts.