* 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 I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things for myself. * To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally. * To reject any attempts by my relatives (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, and/or depression. * To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do for 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.
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