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 loved one.
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 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 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 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.
TO BE MYSELF
Recommended For You
States That Pay Family Caregivers
Nearly 80% of adults living at home and receiving long-term care assistance depend solely on relatives and friends, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA). The role of informal caregiver …
Gay and Aging – Going Back In The Closet?
Sally I still remember that day when I met Sally. She had just been released from the hospital after a recent fall and needed help with bathing and basic chores around the house. I owned an in-home senior care agency in Palm Springs, CA and Sally had been referred to
Standing Wheelchair Reviews – Get Off Your Butt!
My mother, Barbara, had MS and used a standing wheelchair for years. She LOVED that wheelchair. When we were out in public, she would often ask me to stand her …
What is Dementia Bingo?
Bingo is a popular and fun activity for many people but it can be extremely overwhelming for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, there is a simplified version of this …
Assisted Living vs. Home Care
With age comes less independence and, for many, the need for help with many of the activities of daily living. The question I get from many people trying to navigate through the myriad of care options is “what are the advantages of assisted living vs. home care”? And, how do
POLST Forms For California
A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a medical order designed to communicate a patient’s preferences regarding life-sustaining treatments in California. It is intended for individuals with serious …
