Caregiver's Bill of Rights

Providing care for a person with Alzheimer's disease is often a stressful and demanding ordeal. It is important to remember that caregivers have human needs and emotions. They must care for the patient as well as themselves.

IT IS ALL RIGHT TO:

• BE ANGRY. Turn this energy into positive action. Clean closets, take a walk, talk with someone.
• BE FRUSTRATED. Stop the present activity, take a deep breath and begin a different activity.
• TAKE TIME ALONE. A favorite chair in a quiet room, a trip to the store or a few hours out with friends.
• ASK FOR HELP. Explore family, friends and local agencies for resource services. Most doctors' offices and clergy can make referrals.
• TRUST YOUR JUDGEMENT. Relax, you are doing the best you can.
• RECOGNIZE YOUR LIMITS. You are a valuable person. Take care of yourself, too!
• MAKE MISTAKES. No one is perfect. This is how we learn.
• GRIEVE. This is a normal response to a loss. You may be sad over the loss of the way things used to be.
• LAUGH AND LOVE. It may seem out of place, but your capacity t6 feel is not gone and can occur unexpectedly.
• HOPE. Tomorrow, the day may go smoother, a friend may call, a cure may be found.

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