Confessions of the caregiver

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Self defense of the caregiver: four guidelines to commit to.

1. Choose to take control over your life. We often end up in caregiving by an unforeseen event but somewhere on the way, you have to take a step back and consciously say “I choose to take this caregiving role on me”. It’s a long road to take away the feelings of the patient of being a victim.

2. Love, honour and appreciate yourself. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s your right as a human being. Put a step back and acknowledge how exceptional you really are. And remember that your own good health is the best gift you can give to someone you love.

3. Sometimes you should search, accept and demand help. Caregiving, especially the most intense kind, is definitely more than a one-man affair. Asking help is a sign of strength and an acknowledgment of your own capacities and restriction
 

4. Rise and matter. Acknowledge that caregiving stacks up on being a parent, a child or a spouse. Admire your caregiving role and talk out loud about your admirable acknowledgment and rights. Become your own lawyer, both within your immeadiate caregiving environment and without.

 

Source: National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org)

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