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 the patient.
• To seek help from others even though my relatives/friends 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 that I reasonably can for the patient, 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 relative/friend (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt and/or depression.
• To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness and acceptance for what I do for the patient 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 the patient.
• To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when the patient no longer needs my help.