Try: #if a cr is persistently negative a caregiver can set reasonable personal boundaries ask the cr questions that encourage alternative options to the cr’s negative views and keep in touch with people who are positive and supportive #set appropriate boundaries this way remove yourself from negative conversations when your presence is optional; don’t agree with the cr’s negative views just to keep the peace; respect the cr’s right to opinions and respect your rights also #let the cr know you will care for him or her and do your part to the best of your ability and that you would like the cr to keep that in mind before he or she calls you names makes false accusations against you or swears at you #keep in mind that dementia and other conditions may lead a cr to act in ways that are not normal for who the cr was and that the cr’s entire decision-making process may be altered by a medical or psychological condition the cr should not be punished for this #respond to negative statements by asking open-ended questions that encourage the cr to think differently for example if the cr says my son never visits ask how the cr keeps in touch with him this could lead to a discussion in which it becomes clear that the son doesn’t visit but he calls and writes or it could lead to the realization that the cr could do more to reach out to the son if the cr says my neighbor takes everyone out for drives but never offers me a ride ask what’s your relationship with him like has it always been like this what’s his relationship with the people he gives rides to or how do you get around it could be that the cr has not thought about the quality of the relationship with the neighbor or the cr may really be bothered by the fact that he or she doesn’t have a way to get out much #working or living with a cr who has a negative outlook on life can lead a caregiver to feel frustrated trapped or angry keep your own positive outlook by staying in close contact with other optimistic people and by staying active in things that make you feel good about yourself and other people

Materials: Personal boundaries questions that open up other perspectives and choices positive relationships

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Good Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware

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References: n/a

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*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed