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 ability to take better care of my loved one.
I have the right to seek help from others even though my loved one may object.
I know the limits of my own endurance and strength.
I have the right to maintain parts of my own life that do not include the
person I care for, just as I would if he were healthy. I know that I do
everything that I reasonably can do for this person. I have the right to do
some things just for myself.
I have the right to get angry, be depressed, and express difficult feelings
once in a while.
I have the right to reject any attempt by my loved one to make me do things out
of guilt or anger. (It doesn't matter if she knows that she is doing it or
not.)
I have the right to get consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance
for what I do for my loved one, as I offer these in return.
I have the right to take pride in what I'm doing. And I have the right to
applaud the courage it has taken to meet the needs of my loved one.
I have the right to protect my individuality. I also have the right to a life
that will sustain me in times when my loved one no longer needs my full-time
help.
(Author Unknown)
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