I do care about someone, that is why I like to support the person.
When we care too much, our emotion takes over our behavior.
We tend to impose our idea of “this is the way we should provide care” and sometimes forget about “what support the person would like to obtain.”
How can we maintain the balance between care and support?
I would say “Directly ask the person who you care for.”
We often overlook the importance of “ones’ making own decision” in elder care settings.
We all like to make our own decision about our life. We can simply see that when we observe children.
Why do we even think it is OK that one cannot make their own decision for their life as they age?
We may not able to accommodate all their needs and desire due to their physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges. However, we should not forget to ask “what support they would like to receive from us.”
It is important to “care” for elders, but we should also empower them to keep making own decision and communicate with us.
Why am I writing this post? Because I would always like to be asked, and hopefully direct my life with the support that I would like to receive, as I age. I would probably resist or give up my life if I will be put into the situation where all the “care” is prescribed by others and imposed upon me.