As a Caregiver, I will…
~ Take care of myself. This is a healthy and intelligent thing to do. It will help me provide better care for my Loved One. It will help to sustain my strength throughout this caregiving journey.
~ Seek help from family, friends and support organizations even though the person I care for or a family member may object.
~ Maintain parts of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she didn’t require my help. I will strive to meet the needs of my Loved One in the best way I can. And I will make time to meet my needs as well.
~ Give myself permission to get frustrated, angry and sad and to express other negative feelings occasionally.
~ Refuse efforts by the person I care for and family members (either on purpose or not) to manipulate me through guilt, anger or depression.
~ Receive consideration, affection, forgiveness and acceptance for what I do from my Loved One and family members. I will strive to offer these qualities in return.
~ Take pride in what I accomplish, find humor in everyday challenges and celebrate the courage it sometimes takes to meet the needs of my Loved One.
~ Acknowledge that I have become a caregiver, along with thousands of other spouses, siblings, adult children and caregiving friends. I have a right to expect that efforts will be made locally and nationally to ensure caregivers are recognized and supported.
P.S. Post this next to your bathroom mirror today!
Source: Original author unknown. Modified by Link2Care, 2001
© 2001 Family Caregiver Alliance
1 comment:
I LOVE THIS! This is so true we need to take time for ourselves or we will be of no good to anybody. I truly love the friends I have with other caregivers. Who else would really understand what I am going through but another person walking in the same shoes.
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