Any time we work closely with another, forming a bond is bound to happen. We, as providers, are often faced with this challenge on a daily basis. So, how do we maintain boundaries? How do we assist in our consumer’s rehabilitation and not become their best friend?

Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Keep a healthy, personal space
• Avoid being manipulated into doing things you don’t want to do
• Avoid taking sides with your consumer or their family members
• Never assume you are the only one that knows what’s best for your consumer
• Never include your consumer in your personal affairs
• Maintain objectivity in all dealings with your consumer and their family members
• Maintaining professional integrity and keeping a cordial personal distance will, in the long run, give you more mileage as a provider and allow you to make a greater impact over the long haul.

Always remember to keep your role as a provider in the forefront and that you, as the provider, are responsible for the nature of the relationship!

Maintaining healthy boundaries also benefits you!

• Earned respect from your consumer
• Earned respect from your co-workers and team members
• Clear expectations from your consumer
• Better balance in your life

• Keep it professional when working with consumers
• Always be friendly and encouraging, while maintaining good boundaries
• Good boundaries allow a consumer to maintain their own sense of personal dignity