Top Tips for Being an Effective Sandwich Generation Family Caregiver
Caregiver in Glenview IL
Research shows that an astounding number of adults throughout the United States is living in the so-called sandwich generation. This is the people who are raising a child and have a parent who is aged 64 or older who they care for in some way. In fact, 47 percent of middle-aged adults fall into this category, while 15 percent of adults in their 40s and 50s are providing consistent financial 
support both to a child and an elderly parent. Whether you are providing financial support, physical support, or a combination to your aging loved one and your child, you know that being in the sandwich generation can be challenging and even overwhelming. It is important that you take the time to tailor your care efforts and your lifestyle to protecting yourself and your future while still fulfilling these needs in the best way possible.
Use these tips to help you be an effective sandwich generation family caregiver:
- Keep yourself in mind. It may sound selfish, but keeping your own identity and individuality in mind throughout your care journey is essential to guarding your own well-being and remaining the best caregiver you can be as your parent ages in place. This means remembering the interests, skills, hobbies, and beliefs that make you an individual and using those in your daily life as well as your care. This could include doing arts and crafts with your parent if you have always loved art, singing if you love music, or using a care provider to ensure that you have the time to attend your favorite exercise class each week.
- Manage your priorities effectively. Goal-setting is an important part of keeping your days organized and your mind motivated. It is important as you manage the care needs for your aging parent and your child that you reorganize your priorities to better fit your time, energy, and needs. This might mean having to take focus away from priorities that you once held high on your list, such as keeping your home immaculate or your garden filled with flowers, and putting more focus on other priorities such as ensuring that your parent gets to their doctor’s appointments and your child attends their afterschool activities.
- Be open to help. Everyone wants to feel like a superhero, but the truth is you simply cannot handle everything on your own without putting yourself at risk of serious stress, anxiety, and other complications. Be open to whatever help is available to you. Reach out to family members and close friends to find out what help and support they may be able to offer you, and be willing to accept the help that is offered even when you do not ask. If you need additional support and do not get it from these sources, do not hesitate to look into hiring a home care provider. This professional can be an invaluable source of assistance for your aging parent to ensure that their needs are properly met when you need to focus on your child, your career, your home, your marriage, or yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Source: https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/01/30/the-sandwich-generation/
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