Take care of myself.  This is not selfish.  This enables me to take better care of my loved one.

To recognize my limits and seek help from other.

  To protect my individuality and my right to maintain facets of my life that are separate from my loved one.

To take pride in my courage and what I do to meet my loved one's needs.

To allow myself to recognize, accept and express my emotions including anger, sadness, and fear.

To receive consideration, affection and acceptance for my loved one's care, just as I offer all of these to my loved one.

To reject any attempt by my loved one (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, anger or depression.

To expect that community resources will be there to aid  and support me  in my efforts to care for my loved one.

Adapted from Caregiving: Helping An
Aging Loved One (AARP Books, 1985) by Jo Horne.