The Caregivers Creed

I am a caregiver. I provide love and care and tend to the needs of my loved ones. I do this willingly and lovingly devoting myself to their care.

I am a caregiver. In order for me to provide the best care for my loved one, I must first take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness but a necessity; for if I am not at my best, I can not provide my best.

I am a caregiver. My responsibilities are demanding and difficult. I have the right to express my frustrations, anger and depression occasionally in constructive means. If I fail to express my feelings, my health suffers, and the care I can provide to my loved one is compromised.

I am a caregiver. I know that I am doing everything I reasonably can to provide for my loved one. I am an individual that has a life of my own that does not include my loved one just as if my loved one were healthy. I have the right to do some things just for myself, free from manipulation, guilt and criticism of others.

I am a caregiver. I am walking, side by side, with my loved one through this journey at the end of their life. Just as I provide my loved one with respect, love, affection, forgiveness and acceptance, I too need these qualities from them and others.

I am a caregiver. I have an obligation to myself and my loved one to recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength and to seek help from others.

I am a caregiver. There will come a time when my caregiving will come to a close, and I will continue with my individual life. I have a right to protect my individuality during my caregiving period in a manner that will sustain me for when my loved one no longer needs my full-time help.

I am a caregiver. When my loved one’s journey is over, I will grieve for my loss in my time and my way.

source: www.swkaaa.org Southwest Kansas area agency on aging