Tag Archives: caregiver burnout

6 Ways the Sandwich Generation Can Plan for The Future

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Anyone experiencing the struggle of simultaneously caring for children and aging parents is part of the sandwich generation. Although “generation” is part of the phrase, it doesn’t refer to people born at a specific time. Typically, these family caregivers will be in the 30- to 40-year-old age range, providing for their families and balancing care duties between the needs of children and parents.

Trends That Led to an Increasing Sandwich Generation

The rise in the numbers in the sandwich generation is a byproduct of two influential trends: Women are giving birth later in life, and the senior population is increasing. A third contributing factor was the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear of placing aging parents into long-term care facilities where viruses spread easily in communities of people with declining health. Many families pivoted to caring for their loved ones at home.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. You are most likely experiencing significant anxiety and stress as you juggle school and activities for your children, expectations at work, changing family dynamics, and daily caregiver duties. Though this is a challenging time in your life, it doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems. There are steps to take to minimize frustration.

6 Ways for Caregivers of the Sandwich Generation to Plan

  1. Start by reprioritizing daily routines. If there seems to be an overwhelming number of tasks to accomplish in a day, prioritize between urgent and non-urgent categories to determine what needs to be addressed first.
  2. Make time for self-care to avoid caregiver burnout. Focusing on basics like nutritious meals, adequate sleep, and exercise will serve you and your loved ones well.
  3. Know your rights at your workplace. Programs like the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offer job security to those taking a leave of absence for family medical reasons. While it’s not a paid benefit, you will maintain access to your health insurance benefits for up to 12 weeks off. If you haven’t already, explore working remotely to put you in the same physical location as those you care for in your home.
  4. Share your feelings about the challenges you are facing and get extra help when you need it. Talking things through with family members can better manage everyone’s expectations. There are also forums and community resources that can put you in touch with others in the sandwich generation, where you can share information and offload burdens.
  5. Make an honest evaluation of your available financial resources before determining a new course of action.
    • Are your parents able to pay for their care on their own, even within your own home?
    • Do they carry long-term care insurance or whole life insurance policies with living benefits?
    • Are other family members willing to contribute financially, or is a public assistance option viable?
  6. Talk things through with your parents about their preferences and abilities to pay for health care services. Discuss ideas with siblings and figure out who can help provide care and whose home provides the best solution. If external help is a must, research local possibilities and costs.

Preparing Estate Planning Documents

It’s an excellent idea to consult an estate planning attorney about legal documents if a sudden financial or medical decision presents itself. You need to have the legal power to make important decisions for your aging parents and minor children.

Your parents may need more help as their health declines or they experience dementia. You may need to renovate your home as your parents age for their comfort and safety, or eventually look for professional services and facilities. Also, review your retirement savings and other investments that can protect your children’s lifestyle and future.

  • College funds need to be a priority, as is a 401(k) plan if your place of employment offers one.
  • Consider the purchase of a term or whole life insurance policy to protect your family’s future in the event a tragedy affects your ability to care for your family.
  • Start an emergency fund to help cover incidental costs, unexpected medical bills, and a potential long-term hospital stay. Unexpected costs can throw off your budget.

If your sandwich generation status continues for an extended time, re-evaluate your finances periodically. Goals will change, and updating your estate plan (and your parents’ estate plan, too) may help you stay on track to meet your family’s long-term goals.

Money management and estate planning are critical elements to creating a mutually beneficial living experience as part of the sandwich generation. While this may not be the easiest time of your life with the extra demands placed on you, it’s possible to manage and even thrive with adequate planning.

Speak with an attorney who is familiar with structuring these types of plans. Find a qualified estate planning attorney in your area today. They educate families about issues faced by seniors who may be experiencing declining health, evaluate health care facilities and services, and provide family resources for caregiver support.

What Is Respite Care? Can It Help With Caregiver Burnout?

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It is easy to burn out when you are responsible for providing full-time care to an aging or disabled loved one. In some cases, caregiver burnout can result in resentment toward the individual they care for, despite their love for them.

The fact is, we all need a break sometimes. That is why respite care exists. If you are a caregiver who needs to take time for yourself, read more to learn about respite care.

What Does Respite Mean?

Taking respite means having a temporary period of rest. For primary caregivers, this typically refers to securing short-term care for your loved one – even several weeks or months – so that you can recharge amid the very real burdens of caregiving.

In finding respite, you also might make time to practice self-care, from going to the gym to connecting with friends. Do not forget to find ways to maintain your sense of self while you are in the midst of giving so much of your time and attention to someone else.

Caregivers Want Information About Respite Care

In a 2022 survey of caregivers, Caregiving in America found that most were unaware that respite care was available. Many caregivers need more education about their options for respite care and how to build a network of support to share the load of providing financial and emotional support to an ailing loved one.

Here are some of the study’s findings:

  • Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported that they were the primary emotional support system for a sick or impaired loved one.
  • Twenty-two percent of respondents said they worked more than 40 hours per week as the primary caregiver to a disabled family member.
  • Forty-eight percent of respondents disclosed they needed emotional support for themselves.
  • Forty-four percent of respondents shared that they wanted information about where to find respite care.

Caregivers need information about maintaining their own health while supporting a family member. It is essential to prioritize yourself when caring for an aging or disabled relative.

Preventing Caregiver Fatigue

The challenges of taking care of an ailing loved one can be extremely stressful. More than that, the strain of serving as a caregiver – often unpaid – can make a real and lasting impact on your own health if not kept in check.

Symptoms of burnout among caregivers may include the following:

  • Losing sleep and extreme fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having a quick temper
  • Lack of interest in your favorite activities

If you or someone you know has taken on the responsibilities of caregiving, be aware of the signs of burnout and actively seek support. Respite care is among your potential options.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care gives caretakers a chance to relax and take a break from the responsibility of providing full-time care to loved ones who are aging or disabled. Respite programs offer short-term replacement care. These providers will step in for a short period to take on the responsibility of caring for your loved one.

The types of care you can expect them to take on may include the following:

  • Bathing and dressing
  • Cooking and cleaning
  • Helping your loved one eat, drink, and take their medication
  • Getting into and out of bed
  • Assistance with the restroom
  • Spending quality time with your loved one
  • Helping with exercise and personal care

How Much Does Respite Care Services Cost?

The cost of respite care varies depending on how long you use the service. You can schedule respite care for several days, weeks, months, or longer.

Who Pays for Respite Care?

Private insurance will typically not cover respite care, unfortunately. If your loved one is covered by Medicare or Medicaid, you may be able to secure five consecutive days of respite care. Your loved one must be receiving hospice care benefits for Medicare to cover respite care.

Finding Respite Care

Several organizations provide respite care. If your family member is covered by Medicaid, you can speak to a Medicaid planner in your state to determine what programs may be available. As mentioned above, Medicare covers respite care under its hospice benefit.

If your loved one is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, don’t worry; there are private organizations that provide this service. These organizations include:

In addition, connect with your attorney to talk through your options.