You’re feeling overwhelmed, you try so hard to keep it all together, you take pride in the way you care, you got this, right?! All it takes is one moment to lose it!

Caregiving is hard and no one is perfect, yet we try to control every situation. I mean we don’t really have a choice. We must protect our caree, keep them healthy and safe.

Our Mission story for Gimme A Break is exactly this situation!  So, we’ve developed a way to turn that moment into a positive memory!

This is our acronym to help you recognize that moment when you need to…

P.A.U.S.E

P is for Pushy

Because we want what is best for our caree, we take charge and we can sometimes get pushy with them. We may be in a hurry, there are people waiting for us. The caree, used to being in control their whole life is adjusting and we may see it as just being stubborn.

Take a PAUSE: Think what you were like as a Toddler

I used to have conversations with my Parents asking them what I was like as a child. My Mother would roll her eyes and my Father would just smile and say, “You were vivacious! And you still are!”. I must’ve been a handful! Yet, I have no strong memories of being yelled at or screaming scenes in public. Oh, I have memories of being disciplined alright, just always in a controlled way. As Parents, we are incredibly patient with our children because we understand that they have limitations and we help them to develop and grow.

As we age or when dealing with an illness or disability, our physical and cognitive functions can become like that of a child. Your adult caree obviously is not a child, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And remembering that you were once a handful will help you to understand them now.

Redirect their attention, sing a song, tell a joke, or give them a snack. Plan a lot of time to accomplish tasks. A LOT of time. Understand what you can and cannot control.

A is for Angry

You’re frustrated! You’ve held in so much guilt! You feel like a failure! You miss your freedom! You’re just emotionally exhausted!

Take a PAUSE: Let go and Forgive Yourself

You’re not perfect. I know, hard to believe isn’t it! Stop putting all that pressure on yourself!

Forgive yourself. Give yourself credit for all of times you did have patience, for all the times you did do it right and for all the times of loving care you did provide.

Walk away and give yourself a “time out.” Do a quick hang loose! Take a few deep breaths, breathe in and say, “It’s OK” then breathe out and say, “I got this”.

Call your “person” and vent about the things that happened.

U is for Unappreciated

What, no thank you! Again! Are you feeling invisible? Are you having feelings of resentment? Are you feeling that you are always the one giving?

Take a PAUSE: Go Ahead Scream in a Pillow

Sometimes, physically ventilating your rage can be very therapeutic. If you’re “having a moment,” feel free to excuse yourself and go scream into a pillow. Primal Yell! Really let it go, once may not be enough!

Take a PAUSE. Physical activity is a good mood booster, I used to do exercises when my Mom was in the shower, 15-20 minutes of arms, legs and waist twists!

Practice verbal requesting, “I need you to”, “I feel like”, “I want you to”.

It’s ok to give yourself a pat on the back. “Atta Caregivers” all around!

Writing in a journal about the things you do each day to help you appreciate how much you give and how much you do.

S is for Starved

You haven’t eaten all day! No wonder your Hangry! Of course, you fed everyone else and now your grabbing on go and it’s probably something high in salt, sugar and calories!

Take A PAUSE: Plan to Eat

You can help yourself and your caree by eating a healthy together. Ideally, aim to eat something every three hours to maintain your blood sugar levels. You might find your ability to cope with the stress of caregiving improves considerably.

Plan ahead and buy quick snacks that are healthy and nutritious and keep them everywhere! In your purse, the car, the bathroom, the laundry room, everywhere!

E is for Exhausted

When the last time you had a good night’s sleep? Easier said than done, right? 

Take a PAUSE:  Sleep is your priority

You NEED your sleep. You cannot care for someone if you need care. No sleep, no go! Your health is a priority and lack of sleep will catch up with you!

Schedule family members to take over the caregiving duties for an overnighter or a weekend! Hire a professional caregiver for 8 hours a couple overnights a week. The cost is worth your health and it’s rejuvenating. Taking time away from caregiving benefits both you and your caree.

Hopefully, these will help you to “Take a PAUSE” throughout your day to day Caregiving. Gimme A Break is here for you. We give you a break, we give you resources and we give you support! We meet online every Tuesday evening @ 8:00! That’s why we’re here! We do what we do for you! We are Gimme A Break! www.gab808.com