Caregiver's Bill of Rights

Bipolar Disorder Mental Illness Alcoholism Abuse Medicare


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 my relative.

I have the right...
to seek help from others even though my relatives may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.

I have the right...
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.

I have the right...
to get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally.

I have the right...
to reject any attempts by my relative (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt and/or depression.

I have the right...
to receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance from my loved one for what I do, for as long as I offer these qualities in return.

I have the right...
to take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my relative.

I have the right...
to protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my relative no longer needs my full-time help.

I have the right...
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.

Author Unknown

Caregivers




Caregiving is not a role people usually choose. It seems to choose us, emerging from events and circumstances beyond our control. Spinal cord injury, debilitation or sudden illness may come without warning. This is a job that cannot be skirted and cannot always be delegated. It can be difficult, physically and emotionally. It can be time-consuming. While caring for loved ones can be enormously satisfying, there are days, it seems, that offer little reward. Caregivers, the men and women who care for family members and loved ones, deserve to be recognized and supported for the vital part they play in the lives of people with paralysis. Caregivers may work in isolation from others in similar circumstances but they share much in common. It is important that caregivers connect with each other, to gain strength and to know that they are not alone. It is essential that caregivers know about tools -- the homecare products and services -- that might make their jobs easier. It's also important that caregivers are aware of community and public resources that offer assistance. Caregivers also need to know that support and respite systems exist to address the well-being and health of caregivers themselves.

By: CR Foundation