Are you taking care of a family member or friend, a senior who has a loss of autonomy?
The role of caregiver can be demanding.
If there are unhealthy behaviours in the relationship, caring for someone can be particularly difficult to live.
On one hand, sadness, frustration and guilt can add to the stress and exhaustion that caregivers often experience and lead to undesirable reactions.
On the other hand, the distress and suffering that the cared-for person experiences can make it hard to regulate his or her emotions. Some illnesses can even cause the person to become angry or to behave aggressively.
Whether or not these actions are intentional, they can have negative consequences on the well-being, confidence and selfesteem of the people involved in the relationship.
What does a healthy relationship look like?
In a healthy relationship, people feel free to express their wishes, needs, opinions and preferences. They appreciate and respect each other’s choices and their differences. They are concerned with
each other’s well-being and are generally kind to each other.
In a healthy relationship, people feel respected and safe.
Our relationships affect all aspects of our lives (work, sleep, mood, etc.). It is important to be aware of their impact to ensure our well-being and that of those closest to us.
What is your relationship like?
This questionnaire will help you determine if your relationship with the person you care for is healthy.
If you are experiencing difficulties, know that we are here to help you.
Is your relationship healthy?
To evaluate the health of your relationship, note the presence of the following elements in your interactions with the person you care for.
Financial aspects
In the relationship, someone:
Emotional and sexual aspects
In the relationship, someone:
Physical aspects
In the relationship, someone:
Verbal and psychological aspects
In the relationship, someone:
After having responded to these questions, how do you feel?
If you feel good about your answers:
You are probably in a HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP!
Despite the hardships, you and the person you care for invest time and effort in the relationship.
Your relationship is based on the mutual respect of your feelings and needs.
If you feel uncomfortable with some of your answers:
It is possible that you are in an UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP.
If you would like to discuss this, there are free and confidential resources to help you.
Our team of counsellors can assist you and, if necessary, refer you to resources best adapted to your situation.
This tool is based on YWCA Canada’s “Is Our Relationship Healthy?” pamphlet.
Family caregivers support
The YWCA Montreal offers support services to caregivers of seniors in loss of autonomy, including listening and personalized individual support. In addition, participants can enjoy activities adapted to their needs such as yoga, therapeutic workshops (e.g., using dreams to improve well-being, set limits and find balance) and conferences for everyone (e.g., managing stress and anxiety, navigating the CLSC system, wills and disability protection plans, etc.).
Do you regularly help someone? Find out more about our services.
You can contact us at 514 866-9941, ext. 226 or by completing the form below.