Page 2 - Demo

Page 2 Senior Times - March 2026 Relationship is a word that can mean many different things to different people. Often, when we hear it, we immediately think of romance %u2013 the relationship we have, may have had, or wish to have. But relationships are much broader than that. A relationship is the connection you have with anyone, professionally or personally.For family caregivers %u2013 and this may not be you, but it could be someone you love %u2013 relationships take on an even deeper meaning. When you%u2019re caring for someone, the circle around you matters. That circle might include family members, friends, neighbors, or people who serve as a sounding board. It may also include individuals you pay for services for the person you%u2019re caring for. In every one of those connections, boundaries matter %u2013 even when setting them feels difficult.I want to take a simple approach and guide your mind, as a family caregiver, to think about relationships through a practical lens.Senior Health Partners offers a program called Community Care Options, which provides light housekeeping services to qualified members of our county. There are many facets to this program, but one area we take pride in is the follow-up and connection we maintain with our clients.Through that follow-up, we%u2019ve noticed a recurring conversation %u2013 one that often centers on how we should treat people. At first, this may sound surprising, but it really isn%u2019t. I%u2019ve even had similar conversations with my own family members, especially as expectations can change with age.One example that often comes to mind is growing up; we were taught to be respectful %u2013 especially toward elders. And if we were not? We knew exactly what would happen when we got home. (Side note: I am very thankful for the gift of respect my parents taught me.)Yet, in working with older adults %u2013 no specific age, just within the %u201colder adult range%u201d %u2013 I have heard recurring statements such as:%u2022 %u201cI%u2019ve lived long enough; I can say what I want.%u201d%u2022 %u201cI%u2019ve earned the right to say what%u2019s on my mind.%u201dOften, there is little regard for how the words might land on someone else. And that brings me back to boundaries.When you are paying for a service %u2013 or providing a service %u2013 wouldn%u2019t you think you would want to be treated the same way you treat others? I am not saying you should never speak your mind. But I am asking: Can those thoughts be communicated in a way that is more gentle, and more respectful, and provide better understanding?This is where setting expectations becomes so important.Often, I work with members of the community on setting expectations, upfront that allows others the chance to tell you right away whether they can meet them. Expectations can fall anywhere on the spectrum from %u201cI can live with that%u201d to the true showstoppers. But having those conversations upfront is extremely important.I bring up the Community Care Options because while it is a funded program, there are still conduct expectations for both the provider and the client. Yet, at times, it doesn%u2019t feel like either side is thinking about the other. On the other end of the spectrum, we sometimes open our doors and arms with no boundaries at all, which can create a risk for burnout, conflict, or even disaster.As a family caregiver %u2013 or as someone supporting a family caregiver %u2013 take a moment to look at the people in your circle, whether it%u2019s a family member, a friend, or a paid service provider.Ask yourself questions like:%u2022 What is appropriate communication in this relationship?%u2022 Are there clear boundaries %u2013 for you and for them?%u2022 Is there mutual respect?%u2022 Is there reliability?%u2022 Is there trust?(And honestly, the list could be much longer.)These questions can help not only with setting boundaries, but also with building healthier, more valuable relationships.When you are providing care %u2013 especially daily, hands-on care %u2013 you don%u2019t always have the energy to think clearly or thoroughly. That%u2019s why taking time to consider these things before you need them is key.My hope for all of us is that as we age, we do not forget the lessons we taught our %u201clittles%u201d about how to treat others %u2013 while also making sure our own needs are being met.While this may sound silly, it has been coming up frequently lately (maybe the change in weather?), and it felt like it was the right time to write and remind us.No matter what age we are, we can still build healthy relationships %u2013 with boundaries we set.Have a beautiful March, and remember: treat others as you would like to be treated.BUILDING BOUNDARIES & HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPSBy: Anne Clark, Program Manager, Senior Health PartnersThe Senior Fitness and Fun program and Community Care Options are funded by the Calhoun County Senior Millage.Senior Fitness & Fun!SIGN UP TODAY! CALL 269-441-0948Tai Chi ClassesSenior Health PartnersYour Partner in Health, Support, and Fun!Free & Open to the Public Age 60 & Older!ExercisesAnyone Can Do!Nurse Provided Health Screenings%u2022 Stretching and Flexibility%u2022 Balance and Strength Building%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer Public Library%u2022 Marengo Township Hall%u2022 Kingdom Builders, Battle Creek%u2022 Heritage Commons, Marshall%u2022 Trinity Episcopal Church, Marshall(Must Preregister, Call 269-986-1583)%u2022 Blood Pressures%u2022 Blood Sugars%u2022 Pulse Ox%u2022 Medication Management%u2022 Wellness EducationSilver Sneakers Yoga %u2022 Kingdom Builders Worldwide%u2022 Kool CenterLocations%u2022 Albion Caring Community Church%u2022 Albion Forks Senior Center%u2022 Athens Lighthouse Event Center%u2022 Battle Creek Kingdom Builder%u2022 Battle Creek Trinity Neighbor Center%u2022 Battle Creek Woodland Church%u2022 Convis Township Hall%u2022 East Leroy Community Church%u2022 Homer 1st Presbyterian Church%u2022 Marshall Trinity Episcopal Church%u2022 Marshall VFW%u2022 Pennfield Calvary Baptist Church%u2022 Tekonsha Fire Dept%u2022 Urbandale Christ United MethodistCommunity Care OptionsWhat Services are Provided?%u2022 Care assessment and planning%u2022 Home safety assessments%u2022 Referral and linkage to community resources%u2022 Light in-home services including homemaking assistance, meal preparation, non-medical personal support, and limited errands%u2022 Respite care for family caregivers%u2022 Advanced care planning documentsAre you 60 or over, living in Calhoun County, and beginning to experience aging challenges? Do you have a chronic condition like arthritis, chronic pain, Parkinson%u2019s Disease, heart disease, or back issues and find some of the tasks to keep your home clean and safe are becoming difficult? If so, Community Care Options may be the program for you.Call Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0948 to learn more. Our friendly staff will complete a brief intake and guide you through the next steps.Do You Find Yourself Needing Some Assistance?Stay Healthy And Happy With Us! Call 269-441-0948We Help Seniors Stay Independent LongerNEED ASSISTANCE? CALL 269-441-0948shpcalhoun.org