Caregiver, Seek RESPITE if even for Five Minutes
Caregiving martyrs are not heroes.
We only have so much energy to give each day. And caregiving martyrs rarely survive long enough to be heroes.
When you find yourself at the end of your rope, step away, if even for five minutes.
You don’t want to do something that you’ll regret.
Don’t believe me?
Watch this funny 3-minute video, below that explains what I mean.
It’s your call. If you miss this video, you might find yourself on a state-mandated vacation! 😉
If you find yourself with ongoing stress and no relief, consider a combination of the continuum of care options, including in-home care, adult day care, residential care, assisted living, skilled nursing, palliative care, and ultimately, hospice.
Click for a related article on The Five-Minute RESPITE for Caregivers.
Thank you Brenda! I am currently the primary caregiver for a loved one… I must say he was a great patient, never complained just pushed to hard. I felt a daily struggle to keep any sense of self. I felt as it my primary responsibility and role was to ensure he was safe, secure, loved, doing everything he needed to do to ensure his full recovery. I lost all sense of how to take care of myself. He would say to me, “I love you for all that you do… now take a few minutes for you before you disappear. We’ve got this licked!” I have now learned the value of a 5 minute mini vacation… 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there made a huge difference!!
Imagine that! Your care recipient tells you to take a break!
Good man. Wise man.
And I’m glad you shared this experience for others to also realize that sometimes five minutes can make a world of difference!
Thank YOU, Nicole.
Please follow this advice !!! I have been there done that and regret a lot of the actions that I could have done better. Caregiving is the frustrating task that I have ever had in my life. After 20 years in the Military and 28 years with a major communications company, I found Caregiving to cause me doubts in decisions and constantly feeling worthless and worn out. Beleive me, 5 minutes of just going into the garage or in the back yard sure helps. Do it! You will not regret it and the short break will help you re engerize.
Thank YOU, Don for your testimony for the importance of the Five-Minute Respite.
And Brenda, I thank yiu for all the support you have given the entire community.