Rights of Caregivers
Chances are good you will become one of the millions of caregivers in the United States at some time in your life. The job usually falls to family members, the vast majority of whom are women. It is an overwhelming and often thankless task for which most are ill prepared. Caregivers often suffer from anxiety and frustration brought on by feelings of helplessness and the sheer magnitude of the expectations placed upon them. The responsibility is all too clear, but it is vital that caretakers take care of themselves and understand they have some basic rights.
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The Right to be Human
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It's okay if you're frustrated. You need first to take care of yourself because if you don't, you will lack the physical and emotional stamina to be an effective caregiver. Be aware of your own limits and ask for help when you need it. It's okay to get angry when you feel others are not stepping up and you're left feeling isolated and taken for granted. Don't feel guilty because you have other things going on in your life you need to attend to, such as work and children. Continue to make time for them. Feel good about what you are contributing to the one who needs your care. Nurture hope in yourself and the person you are tending because, ultimately, that's what will get you both through.
Support of Family and Friends
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Family and friends are your closest source of support. Call on them often and, if it's feasible, create a calendar to schedule specific times for each to be available so that you can get away just for a break or to attend to the things in your own life which need doing. Family will have ties to you and the one you're caring for so hopefully they will have a desire to be involved.
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Training Resources
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Lean on professional health workers. You will want to learn basic caregiver skills so as to minimize the chances of injury to yourself or the one you are caring for. Research available home care agencies in your area to find out what professional help is available to assist with bathing, feeding, ambulating and transferring positions. Look for home health care sources that can provide assistance and make pre-scheduled extended visits. Some will even help with basic house cleaning and cooking.
Legal Rights
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FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993) helps ensure that you can take time from your job to care for an ailing family member. You are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid protected leave every year. To qualify, the law must apply to your employer and you must be caring for a family member with a serious illness. You need to have worked for the same employer for more than 12 months. The Caregiver Resource Center, which can be contacted through your company EAP (Employee Assistance Program), is an ideal source for obtaining answers relating to financial concerns that affect the life of your family member. Some states pay caretakers to keep ill family members at home. To find out if this applies in your state, contact your state representative.
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References
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