How do I set Boundaries as a Care and Support Worker?

As a Care and Support Worker, a big part of your role involves forming positive relationships with the people around you. Boundaries are necessary to establish the rules in any relationship, and that includes your role in care and support. Since each situation and person is different, the boundaries you set might look different to someone else’s.

Your needs, the needs of the person you support, your personal circumstances and strengths, and the level of care required will all affect the boundaries you set. Keep reading to find out why boundaries are so important and the kinds you can expect to set in a professional setting. 

Why Are Boundaries Essential in Care & Support work?

Care and Support work requires compassion. Typically, you’ll have a close relationship with the person or people that you support. It can sometimes be challenging to strike the right balance between compassion and professionalism. While a care relationship can feel personal, your role has a professional purpose. You have responsibilities and to meet them, you’ll need to set boundaries.

To deliver adequate care and remain resilient, you need to keep a certain amount of distance between yourself and the people you support. Resilience means you’re able to respond to challenging situations, which is vital in care and support work. 

Types of Professional Boundaries

In Care and Support work, there are several types of boundaries that can be set. Let’s look at the main ones and some examples.

• Personal information - An important distinction between professional care relationships and personal relationships is the amount of information you share. For example, you won’t share unnecessary contact details or family history with the person you support.

• Capacity - Your workload is a crucial area when it comes to setting boundaries. It’s important to feel able to say no to taking on additional tasks when your capacity doesn’t allow it. If saying no feels difficult, then negotiating is an option. For example, when taking on an extra task, you could say, if I need to do that, then I will need more time to complete, X, Y and Z.

• Physical - Your personal space and physical touch are also areas for boundaries. For example, if you’re a live-in carer, your boundary might include requesting some dedicated space where you can step away from your duties and have privacy.

• Actions - Care and Support work requires a range of different tasks. While you should know what a role involves before you start, it can change over time. If there are tasks that you don’t feel comfortable completing, then it’s important to speak to your manager so that alternative solutions can be found.

• Time - In order to meet the needs of the person you support and take care of your own needs, you must maintain boundaries around time. For example, the hours you work and setting aside and sticking to the times for your breaks. This boundary can also involve ensuring that when you step away from your duties, you’re able to switch off and take care of personal matters.

• Acceptable behaviours - Boundaries also determine what types of behaviours you accept and demonstrate. For example, you might set boundaries on how to communicate and show respect. 

Each of these boundaries will help you make decisions and give you the freedom and control necessary to feel comfortable and meet your needs. A lack of boundaries can make it harder to make the right choices for yourself and the person you support. 

How To Set and Maintain Boundaries

Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable but are an act of kindness to yourself and the people you support. Your ability to continue the relationship and meet your responsibilities depends on them.  Boundaries can look different, but they tend to involve explaining clearly what you can and can’t do. They might also mean asking for what you need.

Transparency and respect are crucial to establishing and maintaining boundaries. Share your boundaries with the people you support and work with. Here are some tips for identifying your boundaries and maintaining them. Remember that as circumstances change, it’s natural to adjust, remove and set new boundaries.

1. Reflect on your needs - thinking about your priorities, your capacity and whether you feel happy and productive. If there are issues, get to the bottom of what is making you uncomfortable.

2. Set your boundaries based on your needs and communicate them - in some cases, you might only need to speak when a boundary is crossed, but it’s best to be proactive and establish your boundaries with others first. It allows for respectful relationships and prevents confusion.

3. Use simple and direct language - when setting and maintaining your boundary, it’s best to be clear and to the point.

4. Politely reinforce - while people should respect your boundaries, it’s your job to set them and remind people that they exist as time passes.

5. Don’t overexplain - you can offer relevant information about why you’ve set a boundary, as some context can help people understand what’s happening but you don’t need to justify your decision. You can also offer alternate solutions that maintain boundaries.

Doing Your Best

Care and Support work is both demanding and rewarding. While compassion is an essential attribute, so is professionalism. Setting boundaries means you can do your best to support people without neglecting your needs.