Alison, sincerest condolences for your loss.

Compassion Fatigue — the reality of caring for others, without setting boundaries in our work and personal lives, that it takes a toll on the caregiver.

I hear your words. Setting boundaries is part of self-care. It's not beign selfish but so necessary to our overall well-being. Even though advocated for caregivers, when it was my turn to care for my mother, I was so absorbed in caring for her that I spent less time on caring for myself. One day my mother urinated all over me, in front of hospital visitors. She looked away. Visitors left the room. No nurses were available and I was expected to help clean up the situation. The overall lesson — to set up personal boundaries with my mother and my siblings, for what they expected of me. A PSW/ caregiver was needed by this point to help us better care for our mother.

Thanks you for sharing this important message.

Big hug sent to you