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The caregiver's bill of rights
If Alzheimer's caregivers exercised their rights, their stress could be greatly lessened, and their physical and mental health would likely be improved. Whether you realize it or not caregivers do have rights -- lots of them. If Alzheimer's caregivers exercised the following rights, their stress could be lessened and their physical and mental health problems resulting from caregiving could decrease in frequency and intensity.
This list has been circulating on the internet for a long time and is attributed to various persons.
This version was taken from www.caregivers.utah.gov, where it is attributed to Jo Horne.
I have the right: - To take care of myself. Caregiving is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my loved one.
- To seek help from others even though my loved ones may object. Only I can recognize the limits of my endurance and strength.
- To maintain facets of my 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 that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for myself.
- To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally.
- To reject any attempts by my loved one (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, and/or depression.
- To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do, from my loved ones, 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 loved one.
- To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my loved one 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.
How many of these rights are you exercising?
Which ones would you like to start exercising? If you notice that you are not excercising your rights or feel you need extra help, we hare here to help you. just call us at 856-780-4000 or contact us here.
We will be happy to provide you with as little or as much support as you need to take care of your loved ones.
