Are You The Caregiver In The Sandwich Generation
For so many people referred to as the baby boom generation, The Sandwich Generation is now part of our lives. We are still raising children. Plenty of us have hormonal teenagers that are providing us with all the wrinkles we never asked for and still many of us are finding pleasure in the hectic world of raising our younger kids.
Consider your hectic life as a parent and add to that the increasing obligations to look after your own parents. Not only do your children, together with all of their activities and running your household, need you; but so do your parents. If you can relate to this then you are one of The Sandwich Generation.
The term “Sandwich Generation” is used to describe people who are sandwiched between looking out for our elderly parents and looking after and raising our dependent kids at the same time.
We musn’t forget about you, the caregiver. Stress management and mental wellness are crucial in assisting you while you cope with all of the demands that are required of you while you try to be the most wonderful parent you can be to your kids, and care for your elderly parents, as best you can. If you work full time this will be even more necessary and challenging.
The following are a few simple steps to avoid becoming despondent, uneasy and drained:
- Stay connected with your relatives and friends. Enjoy some fun, laugh and focus on things besides your obligations and do not feel guilty about it because maintaining balance emotionally will help you to be a better caregiver.
- Always take care of yourself. There is less chance of burnout or depression if you remain in good health. Eat well, don’t skimp on rest and exercise no matter what.
- Enlist a support network. You need friends, relatives and others that can step in and help. Do not decline help. It’s crucial to acknowledge that no one can do everything and sometimes duties will not be accomplished perfectly.
- Be honest and straight forward with your employer about your needs. Perhaps there is room for flexibility in your job schedule.
- Rely on local resources. There are probably organizations in your area that are dedicated to assisting with the elderly and their caregivers.
- Accept that you will go through days when you cannot avoid feeling tired or upset. These feelings are normal. Be sure to talk about them with individuals that you have confidence in.
- Expect to feel sorrow over the loss of the bond, as you have always known it, with your parents. In most situations your parents were always available to support you and now the dynamics have changed and you may find this hard to face.
- Acknowledge that your children do not always comprehend the demands that are placed on you and they are innocently being kids with their own wants and needs.
MOST IMPORTANT: Be a caregiver to you – always be kind to yourself and if you are having a hard time doing this then engage the assistance of a good friend who sympathizes and will serve you a snack and some tea while they lend you an ear and a helping hand.
This article courtesy of www.healthtopics.ca
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