6 Self-Care Tips for the Sandwich Generation
The Caring Corner Blog
Last week, I wrote about trends I see in family caregiver homes across the country. Today, I’d like to talk about what is arguably the most negatively impacted piece of the caregiving equation, the Sandwich Generation.
A Growing Problem
Today, 47% of American adults are, in some way, caring for and supporting both their kids and aging parents (Pew Research Center). Stated another way, that’s half of our adult population tending to the unique physical, emotional, and financial needs of two vastly different generations—simultaneously.
Caregivers in this situation are members of what has been termed the Sandwich Generation, and are experiencing a problem that will only grow as time goes on. Baby Boomers continue to reach retirement age at a rate of 8,000 per day (AARP). As the population ages, more people will be called on to help their aging parents or other elderly loved ones.
These people have a difficult challenge in front of them, and if it wasn’t already, it becomes truly overwhelming as Mom or Dad’s care needs escalate.
Sandwiched Adults Get Pulled in Many Directions
One comment on last week’s post came from Tina, whose mother has dementia. Tina shared her exhaustion from being pulled in so many directions at once and never having time to herself:
“On the one or two days a week that I have away from [caregiving] responsibilities, I am torn between spending rare alone time with my husband, visiting with my children and grandchildren, visiting with a close friend with a mental illness, catching up at the office or with housekeeping at my own house, or running errands such as grocery shopping for Mom. Some time to myself is much needed but where does that fit among all of the necessities above?”
Six Crucial Tips for Self-Care
Tina makes an important point: How do we make time for ourselves when those we care for require so much? To help answer that, here are my six tips for taking care of yourself when you’re sandwiched between care needs.
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