by Tina Dietz
The role of caregiver is a deeply personal role. Caring for the wellbeing of another human creates an inseparable bond that is rooted in compassion, empathy and love.
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to raise a child understand this bond and the impact it has on shaping who we are today. What many of us may not have anticipated is the role that nearly half of all 40-to-55-year-olds face today—caregiving for our children and parents simultaneously. This new reality for a huge portion of Americans has been dubbed the “sandwich generation” and reflects growing challenges for middle-aged adults if not managed.
As a professional who has spent my career caring for seniors, I meet family members every day who have unexpectedly found themselves in this situation. They are trying to care for their children and parents while also managing a career, a home and day-to-day responsibilities. For those family members, I try to offer meaningful advice to ease the burden of sandwich generation caregiving.
First, it is important that family members delegate caregiving roles and responsibilities. Are there siblings, extended family members, or close friends who can share the caregiving role for a senior parent? Can you create a weekly or monthly calendar to break down exactly who is responsible for what role in the care of a parent?
This may sound trivial but my in my experience, many adult caregivers have not thought about delegating roles. They become so overwhelmed they forget that they have a built-in network of support already. It is critical that you tap into that network.
Second, protect your financial health. Tap into free or low-cost resources available in the community. The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services offers seniors a variety of services. Their local agency, Bay Aging, provides transportation, active lifestyle centers and more to seniors across the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Organizations like Bay Aging can provide family members with the peace of mind knowing that their parent is being cared for by professionals.
It is also important that adults closely manage their financial situation. According to the Pew Research Center, sandwich generation caregivers are spending close to $10,000 and 1,300 hours each year on caring for children and parents. This is having a tremendous impact on their financial health and retirement savings.
First, speak with your employer to see if there is the possibility of a flexible work arrangement so that you can maintain your income and savings level. It is also crucial that you budget accordingly so that you understand where you will have to draw the line at expenses. Finally, seek assistance from a financial or legal professional. There are financial resources available for seniors that many adult caregivers may not be aware of.
My final piece of advice to sandwich generation caregivers is to prioritize your self-care. It is very easy to lose sight of staying healthy and avoiding burnout. Taking time every day to socialize, meditate, or read is vitally important for your wellbeing. We all need these moments of inner peace, and it is especially important when caregiving. For example, prioritize exercising for at least 30 minutes each day to help manage stress Stress can impact your cardiovascular health, but even just taking a short walk can help stay heart healthy and avoid further complications down the line.
The pressure on the sandwich generation—especially on women, who often bear the brunt of caregiving—is immense. But remember, you aren’t meant to navigate these waters alone. By delegating, using community resources, and prioritizing your own health, you can continue to provide a high level of care for your loved ones while still living a meaningful life of your own.
Tina Dietz is the executive director of Commonwealth Senior Living at Kilmarnock.
