Why we need boundaries

Boundaries help us to provide the safest and most effective care possible. It can be challenging to know how involved to become with your senior partner. One thing to remember is that we are involved with seniors and their families to assist them with issues related to maintaining their ability to live well in the the home they love. 

Have you ever crossed the line? Ask yourself: 

 Do you share personal problems or aspects of your intimate life with your senior partner? 

 Have you ever spent "off-duty time" with your senior partner? Or you've spent time together and didn't report it as volunteer hours? 

 Have you ever given gifts to, or received them from your senior partner that were valued over $5? 

Have you ever contacted your senior's family to discuss something that has happened with your senior partner? 

If you are trying to decide if a particular action or behavior crosses the line into a boundary violation, ask yourself: 

 Is this in the senior's best interest? 

 Whose needs are being met? Mine or my senior partner?

 How would I feel telling the Block Nurse Program about this? 

 Am I treating this senior differently than I would treat another senior partner? 

 Am I uncomfortable documenting this decision/behavior?