The Challenges of Being in the Sandwich Generation

The “sandwich generation” is a term used to describe people who are caring for children, usually their own, while also caring for aging family members. They’re “sandwiched” between a generation that is older than they are and another that is younger. Family caregivers often want to be there for both of these important groups of people in their lives, but find it difficult to cope. Respite care is a solution that helps family caregivers manage their time and energy more effectively, even getting rest when they need it.

Emotional Stress

There is a lot of emotional stress involved in caring for one person, but multiply those tasks for another person or group of people and the emotional stress increases. Family caregivers feel as if they’re constantly being pulled in different directions. That can lead to feelings of guilt when they can’t be there for everyone at every moment. Taking the time to acknowledge those feelings and remembering that they’re doing what they can are two steps family caregivers can take that help.

Practical Concerns

Financial pressures, meeting everyone’s needs, and keeping everyone fed and healthy are just a few of the practical considerations family caregivers juggle. Home care providers are a huge help with the practical issues. They can be there for seniors to offer hands-on support, assisting with everything from mobility and light household tasks to personal care tasks and meals. Being able to delegate some of those tasks frees up time and energy for family caregivers to use elsewhere.

Communicate Boundaries and Needs

It isn’t always easy to share that time and energy is limited. Talking openly and honestly with seniors about boundaries and needs is an important step. Setting expectations with everyone involved helps to prepare both aging adults and children for what is possible and how they can get their own needs met.

Look for Supportive Tools

Sometimes there just aren’t any other people in the family who can help out. That may be when friends, neighbors, and even professional caregivers can step in and offer assistance. Many of these solutions are available, but family caregivers aren’t aware of them because they’re still trying to do everything on their own. Stepping back and remembering to look for those supportive tools is the first step.

Lean on Self-care

The first thing to fall by the wayside when family caregivers who are “sandwiched” start to feel a lot of pressure is self-care. Unfortunately, that means that everything just feels that much more difficult because the stress keeps building. Respite care is a perfect solution in this situation because seniors are in good hands and family caregivers can focus on other needs. Scheduling regular time to recharge makes a huge difference.

Establish a Care Plan

If family caregivers don’t already have a care plan, it’s time to create one. This involves assessing needs for aging adults, outlining solutions, and then implementing the plan to make sure that seniors and family caregivers each have what they need. Building respite care and other home care solutions into the plan ensures they’re not forgotten.

Caring for aging adults and children is such important work, but it needs to be done in a way that allows family caregivers to meet their needs, too. Respite care can offer assistance in making sure that family caregivers can keep up with self-care and balance their time and energy while caring for multiple generations.

If you or an aging loved one are considering respite care in Scarsdale, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Care Pairing for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.