Between professional careers, family engagements and the caregiving role towards an elderly parent, the responsibilities imposed on the Sandwich Generation are massive. Day after day, these young family caregivers have to handle some overwhelming stress and growing pressures. Despite a strong willingness to give their best to help their elderly relatives, time and energy can be in short supply. And that’s perfectly normal. Thankfully, some resources can help lighten the load, providing you with the support you need to ensure the best possible environment for everyone’s well-being.
Sandwich generation: the picture of an actively engaged generation
Remember that the “Sandwich Generation” refers to a portion of the young adult population, often between the ages of 30 and 50, on the active job market, also managing the responsibilities associated with the role of caregiver for an elderly parent (or a close senior relative) suffering from loss of autonomy or health problems.
Committed to all facets of their lives, Sandwich Generation family caregivers are indeed confronted with significant responsibilities on a day-to-day basis :
And, when reality strikes, becoming as implicated as possible in the care and management of an elderly parent’s loss of autonomy and/or health problems.
Challenges for career advancement ;
Maintaining a decent salary to cover family expenses ;
Staying as involved as possible with his/her own family, including children and spouse ;
Family caregivers and schedule management challenges
Through love for your mother, your father, or an elderly close relative, the role of family caregiver is often accepted without even thinking about it or considering the question. With a sincere desire to do the best you can to ensure the well-being of the senior so dear to you.
But despite all your best intentions, and the valuable support you truly provide through your dedication as a caregiver, the challenges of managing your time and schedule can eventually become overwhelming.
- Work-related professional obligations ;
- Activities with children ;
- Relationship ;
- Housework and home maintenance ;
- Constant care and growing responsibilities to ensure the safety of your elderly parents facing reduced autonomy.
Of course, every situation is unique, and no one experiences it the same way. Depending on your needs, your reality and the state of health of your elderly relative, the approach will certainly be different. With 36 years of expertise working with seniors and their families, Visavie is committed to assist you in your efforts to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of your aging parents or relatives. While making sure that we find a solution that you will feel comfortable with.
Facing the reality of constant daily stress
In addition to difficulties associated with conflicting schedules and a busy lifestyle, the reality of constant day-to-day stress also constitutes a real challenge for the Sandwich generation.
Faced with so many responsibilities, but also with such a heavy emotional load, problems related to stress and burnout are a serious concern. In order to fully help others, never forget to make it a priority to take good care of yourself. Find some time for you, engage in activities you enjoy, and make sure you reserve some moments to recharge your own batteries.
Finding the right balance between your role as a family caregiver for an elderly relative who is so dear to you is certainly not an easy task. While you deserve recognition and respect for giving your best to your beloved dependent parent, do not be afraid to identify your own limits.
Whether with your partner, children or even your employer, take the time to discuss with the people around you about your sandwich-generation reality. Together, solutions will certainly emerge !
Resources for family caregivers and seniors
In fulfilling your role as a caregiver, there’s no doubt that you already give the very best of yourself. However, in the unfortunate scenario where your senior parent’s health is starting to deteriorate, or autonomy decreases, it is essential to be able to reach out and accept the help available around you.
By supporting yourself, you can help better. Family, friends and professionals, resources exist to help you maintain your own well-being, while ensuring the best care for the health and safety of your elderly parents.
Home care services tailored to your needs
You notice that your elderly parents are losing their independence, but they still insist on staying in the comfort of their own home ? With the expertise and dedication of professional caregivers, autonomous or semi-autonomous seniors can benefit from quality homecare services to accompany them in all aspects of their daily lives.
Looking for professional advice ? Contact our specialists, and find the best solution for you.
A seamless transition to the best retirement home for your elderly relative, supported by a caring, personalized approach
In search of the perfect living environment for your elderly parents ? Using an optimal 4-step approach that has already helped more than 225,000 families and seniors since 1988, Visavie‘s expert advisors will assess your needs with the utmost attentiveness, to quickly lead you to the ideal retirement home !
With more than 60 Senior Living Advisors across Ontario and Quebec, always ready to assist you, our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the current offer and accommodations available in seniors’ retirement homes near you, in your area.
No cost, no obligation, our simple and proven approach can save you over 127 hours of research, yet guiding you to the right retirement home, best suited to your needs and requirements.
For all Sandwich Generation caregivers, let Visavie accompany you with personalized, caring assistance in your search for the right retirement home, based both on your reality and on the well-being of your elderly parents !
