A Guide to Setting Supporter Boundaries
TRUSTED SHARING OF WISHES & PLANS
You are the boss of your own life. When you build a support team, you decide what help you need. The next step is to set clear rules for your supporters so they know exactly how to help you.
Think of it like having someone help in your garden. You would tell them which plants to water and which weeds to pull. Setting rules for your supporters does the same thing. It is not about a lack of trust; it’s about making things clear and easy for everyone.
Why Clear Rules Are So Important
They Keep You in Control: When you are specific about what your supporters can do, you stay in charge of the big decisions.
They Protect You: Clear limits are a strong way to protect your money, your home, and your choices.
They Help Your Supporters: Clear rules take the guesswork away. Your supporters will feel confident knowing they are helping in the way you want them to.
Part 1: Who Gets to Help and When
Before your supporters can help, you need to decide when their help starts.
Setting the "Triggers"
A "trigger" is the signal that your supporter can start helping you with certain things. You decide what the trigger is.
For your Enduring Power of Attorney, which is for your money, the law in Australia has rules about when it can start. You can choose for it to start right away, or only when a doctor says you need the help.
For other help, the trigger can be simple. It might be when you ask for help, or if you get sick and have to go to the hospital.
Keeping Your Information Safe
It's important to keep your private information safe.
Passwords: Keep your computer and bank passwords in a safe, secret place.
Sharing Papers: You can share copies of your plans with your supporters, but you should keep the original documents in a secure spot, like a locked box at home.
Part 2: Being Clear About the Rules
Saying "help me with my money" can be confusing. It is much better to be specific. Think about the exact tasks you want help with.
Here are some examples of clear rules:
Examples of Money Rules:
CAN: Help me pay my electricity and phone bills from my bank account.
CANNOT: Sell my house or my car.
CAN: Talk to Centrelink for me to check on my pension.
CANNOT: Take out a loan for me or spend more than $200 without asking me first.
Examples of Health Rules:
CAN: Help me make my doctor's appointments and pick up my medicine.
CANNOT: Make a choice about moving me into an aged care home without talking to me and my family first.
CAN: Talk to my doctors to understand what they are saying.
CANNOT: Change my medical treatments unless I have said it is okay.
Your Action Plan
The best way to make your rules clear is to write them down.
Write down your rules. Use a simple list for each supporter. Write down what they CAN help with and what they CANNOT do without your permission.
Keep the list safe. Put this list with your other important papers, like your financial master list.
Talk to your supporters. Have a conversation with your supporters about the rules. This open and honest talk makes sure everyone understands their job and respects your wishes.
Setting rules is a smart way to look after yourself. It keeps you firmly in control of your life.
DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE: SETTING BOUNDARIES FOR MY SUPPORTERS
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information is provided "as is," without any guarantee of its accuracy or completeness.
Any action you take based on the contents of this guide is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. Please consult a qualified professional to address your individual circumstances.