A Caregiver’s Bill of Rights
I have the right.........
* To take care of myself. This is not an act of
selfishness. It will give me the capability
of taking better care of my relative.
* To seek help from others even though my relatives
may object. I recognize the limits of my own
endurance and strength.
* To maintain facets of my own life that do not
include the person I care for, just as I would if
he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything
I reasonably can for this person, and I have the
right to do some things for myself.
* To get angry, be depressed, and express other
difficult feelings occasionally.
* To reject any attempts by my relatives (either
conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me
through guilt, and/or depression.
* To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness,
and acceptance for what I do for my loved one for
as long as I offer these qualities in return.
* To take pride in what I am accomplishing and to
applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to
meet the needs of my relative.
* To protect my individuality and my right to make
a life for myself that will sustain me in the
time when my relative no longer needs my full-time
help.
* To expect and demand that as new strides are made
in finding resources to aid physically and mentally
impaired persons in our country; similar strides
will be made towards aiding and supporting
Caregivers.