Barb Mallut---"Your wish is my command! "  :-)
This is part of the material which Jeff Jones sends to every new CARE
member. We don't know the original source, unfortunately, of either, but
they are appreciated. I do not have the Patient's Bill of Rights,
however...sorry :-(



>                    Table of Contents
>
>1)      The CareGivers Bible
>2)      The CareGivers Bill of
>Rights__________________________________________________________________________
>__
>
>1)                THE CAREGIVERS' BIBLE
>
>* Maintain social contacts and as many activities as possible
>
>*Formally and in writing schedule respite time for yourself on a daily
>or  weekly basis.Even a few minutes a day can make a difference in your
>outlook  . Stick to that schedule.
>
>*Involve other relatives in care of the care recipient early on,including
>multiple-day care over weekends and holidays.
>
>*Do not martyr yourself. No one should  expect to provide all care every
>day without help. If you can, get a job or activity away from home for
>periods of time.
>
>*Make sure that children and siblings understand the disease  Let them assume
>caregiving duties for short periods, so they experience first-hand the stress
>you experience as a caregiver. They , too, will suffer doubt, denial,guilt
>and anger, and the fury may be directed at you.
>
>*Guilt and anger are normal emotions. Recognize them for what they are, and
>avoid acting on them. Anger usually accompanies a sense of guilt.
>
>*The incidence of headache,insomnia, backache or other physical symptoms
>during caregiving can be stress-related, stemming from unresolved  anger,
>guilt and/or depression. Nearly all caregivers are physically affected by
>the care  recipient's illness. Face that fact and accept it. To remain an
>effective caregiver, you must take time out for yourself.
>
>*Source unknown*
>____________________________________________________________________________
>
>2)                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.
>
>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 relative (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 relative.
>
>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.
>
>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*
>____________________________________________________________________________ >

  Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 79/8
  Oxford, OH
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