Caring for a loved one often means walking a fine line between respecting their independence and ensuring their safety. How do you handle this delicate balance in your day-to-day life? Sharing your story could help shape better policies for caregivers and families. You can type it out, say it, or just pick a number, and we can get started in any language!

1. What activities, like driving or grocery shopping, can your loved one still handle on their own? How do you support them while ensuring their safety?

2. Have you ever had to step in to prevent something unsafe, like stopping them from driving or addressing home safety risks? How did you handle that situation?

3. What do you do to help your loved one feel respected and maintain their dignity while keeping them safe, whether it’s around the house or during errands?

4. How do you and your loved one make decisions together about things like home safety, managing finances, or shopping routines? Do you use any tools to guide those conversations?

5. What’s been the hardest part of balancing your loved one’s independence with their safety, like when it comes to driving or managing household tasks?

6. Have you faced any legal or paperwork challenges, such as with driving restrictions or health care decisions, while trying to respect your loved one’s independence? How did you work through them?

7. What changes to policies or support systems would make it easier for caregivers like you to balance independence and safety for your loved one?

8. How do you cope when your loved one insists on doing something risky, like driving in poor weather or handling household repairs?

9. Are there any gadgets, apps, or services you use to help your loved one stay independent and safe, like tools for managing medication or alert systems for emergencies?

10. How has your approach to balancing your loved one’s freedom and safety changed as their needs have evolved, such as if their driving ability or memory has declined?