Taking Care of Caretakers

One in eight adults ages 40 to 60 is directly responsible for the care of an aging parent, according to findings published by the Pew Research Center. Often, these same people are also responsible for the well-being of children and find themselves sandwiched between the generations of people they love. According to the National Center on Caregiving, as many as 75 percent of caregivers are women.

With the right strategies and resources, caregivers can help not only those they care for but themselves.

Keep tabs on doctor's appointments and soccer practices alike by using a family calendar. Choose a calendar format that fits your family's needs and style. Put all of your family members' medical appointments on it. Set reminders, share information and keep lines of communication open by checking in with everyone once a week.

Even if you are acting as the primary caretaker for an aging relative, that doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Talk with family and friends about helping out.

Stay flexible — as your parents and children age, their needs will change. Consider choosing a health center that caters to all the medical needs of your family. Plan ahead and tap into local resources such as appointment transportation services and home health aides to help ease the burden of increasing demands.

Self-care is essential for sandwich generation caregivers. Without taking time to recharge, burnout is a real concern. And if caregivers get off track, it can negatively affect those around them.

Stave off caretaker fatigue by making time for yourself away from everyday stress and responsibilities. Choose hobbies that soothe and engage you. It may be as simple as catching up on a favorite television program or having your nails done, or be more involved, like taking a weekend away. Put time to pursue your own interests on the calendar, and make them a priority.

Your well-being also ranks high on the family's hierarchy of needs. That means getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated and being active. See a doctor if you become ill. Your needs are just as important as those of the people in your care, and helping yourself helps them.

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