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4 Survival Strategies for the ‘Sandwich Generation’
Managing the mayhem of parenting, work, and life is stressful enough, but for many Americans, caregiving tasks are growing. Coined the “Sandwich Generation,” the cohort of adults raising children and caring for older family members is pulling double duty.
Coordinating medical care, arranging transportation, and managing finances add tasks and responsibilities to an already over-packed schedule. The pressures put on middle-aged adults multiply the life-stage stressors they’re already up against. That’s why it’s essential to develop strategies and tactics to manage caregiver stress before it becomes too much to bear.
Connect With Fellow Caregivers
The role of “caregiver” is rarely one that you’re eased into, so finding a circle of supportive peers is crucial. You don’t know what you don’t know, so learning from others who’ve been in your position can help.
Similar to how a mentor is beneficial to your career, so is a support group for caregivers. There you can connect, share, and even kvetch about the realities of caregiving without worrying about judgment.
Research caregiving support groups in your area or online to find a group that fits your needs. Some may focus on caregiving based on a loved one’s particular condition or the caregiver’s needs and life stage. No matter the type, these groups can be an invaluable sounding board for what you’re feeling and experiencing.
Share stresses, recommendations, and talk through issues in a safe space. Get recommendations for strategies and professionals that can help you as a caregiver. If you’re concerned about elder care abuse, get recommendations for a nursing home abuse attorney from those in the know. With a group ready to support you during all stages of caregiving, you can manage anything that comes your way.
Build a Caregiving Team
You may feel like you’re on an island as a caregiver, but you don’t have to go it alone. Family, friends, and professionals can all be recruited for your caregiving team.
Many times friends and family want to help, but they don’t know what to do or whether help is wanted. In these instances, it’s most beneficial to be specific with your request. Make a list of everything you need to do, both for your aging loved one and in your usual day-to-day life. If you need to attend an appointment with your mother, recruit someone to handle after-school pickup. Make a shared calendar with those who’ve volunteered to help so you can ensure each day’s demands are covered.
Tap into professional support from those with expertise in elder care. Adult day centers provide compassionate care and fun activities that your loved one can enjoy while you step away. Medicaid may help cover some of the costs of adult day care, so be sure to ask providers about payment options.
Your care team isn’t limited to direct care for your elderly loved one. Hire professionals to clean your house and mow the lawn, freeing up time for the tasks only you can do. Research ways to streamline your day-to-day, like grocery delivery, automated bill payment, and subscription delivery for essentials. Every step you eliminate frees up time and mental energy for yourself and your family.
Prioritize Your Physical and Mental Wellness
Just like you’d ensure your car is fit for a cross-country road trip, so too should you prepare yourself for your caregiving journey. Going for a walk may be the last thing on your mind, but it could be exactly what you need. Studies have shown that even a 12-minute walk is enough to boost your mood and mental clarity.
Invest in your physical health to support your overall well-being and your ability to care for others. Reserve time for daily movement like walking and stretching and prioritize nutritious meals and snacks. As the pre-flight instructions remind travelers, you have to put the mask on yourself first. Keep up with your health appointments, medications, and physical fitness to ensure you’re in peak condition.
Pair your physical health pursuits with mental health care, too. Consider working with a therapist to support your emotional needs, even if you aren’t managing a mental health diagnosis. Having a designated professional to speak with about your thoughts outside of your friend group can help you manage stress. When you care for yourself, you can be at your best for those who depend on you.
Manage Your Finances With Caregiving in Mind
In some communities, caregiving is an expected responsibility you’ll take on in adulthood. In others, it’s a task that falls on your shoulders like a ton of bricks. No matter the entry point of caregiving, it’s bound to impact your finances.
Assess your current financial picture and pinpoint any weak areas. Even if you’re not expecting to pay for your loved one’s care outright, there are financial considerations. Time away from work, travel, and caregiving demands may impact your career choices and opportunities.
If you’re the primary caregiver, you may avoid taking on work responsibilities that require travel or odd hours. This may impact your earnings today and your long-term career trajectory, both of which should be considered carefully.
Work with a financial advisor to measure the impact of new expenses, retirement savings, and wage growth. Adjust your budget to allow for additional savings, especially if you need to take time away from work. The more planning you do today, the more prepared you can be to address changing needs without damaging your financial future.
Going From Surviving to Thriving
Caregiving may be a responsibility you never expected to take on, but the experience can be rewarding. As longevity increases, more adults will likely join the ranks of the Sandwich Generation, making caregiving strategies essential. With the right support system in place, you can do more than survive — you can thrive.
