“SHE SPOKE HARSHLY TO ME.”
Imagine this:
You have spent the whole morning helping Sister with her routine.
You bring her breakfast, help her get ready, and check that she has everything she needs.Then suddenly she says:
“You don’t do anything right!”
You feel hurt.
You think: “After everything I just did for you?”
What would you do?
👀 PAUSE BEFORE YOU RESPOND
Sometimes a harsh response may be connected to pain, frustration, fear, fatigue, confusion, loss of independence, or simply having a difficult moment.
That doesn’t mean hurtful words should be ignored—but the caregiver can pause before reacting.
🌱 THE CAREGIVER’S PAUSE
DON’T: Respond immediately from hurt.
DO: Take a breath.
DON’T: Assume, “She doesn’t appreciate me.”
DO: Ask yourself, “Could something else be going on?”
DON’T: Turn the moment into an argument.
DO: Respond calmly and preserve dignity.
💬 YOUR TURN
What would YOU do first?
A. Walk away angrily
B. Argue and remind her of everything you’ve done
C. Pause, then gently ask what is wrong
D. Ignore her completely
Tell us your answer—and why.
💛 CSECNG MESSAGE
Before you take it personally, pause and look for the need behind the words.
