5 Tips for Sandwich Caregivers on How to Balance Children and a Parent with Dementia


5 Tips for Sandwich Caregivers on How to Balance Children and a Parent with Dementia

For many families, late summer ushers in the annual ritual known as “back to school.” Dreaded by kids and celebrated by parents, the return to school marks a time of transition to more rigid schedules after a few months of fun and flexibility.


But for sandwich generation caregivers – those who are raising a family while caring for a parent – the new school calendar and all the activities associated with it can add to an already hectic schedule.


National surveys have found there are about 11 million sandwich generation caregivers, with about 2.2 million caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. The number of sandwich generation caregivers is expected to grow as Baby Boomers increasingly move into retirement age and live longer lives. 


Because the toll of Alzheimer’s weighs heavily on caregivers who are also raising a family, finding a balance can require major sacrifices. Of the more than 11 million unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers in the United States, with 260,500 here in Illinois, about one-third report their health has suffered due to caregiving, and over half report tardiness or absences at work. To compensate, caregivers often must leave their jobs or ask children to take on extra responsibilities.


Despite its many challenges, it is possible for sandwich generation caregivers to manage their responsibilities effectively while maintaining their overall health and well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:


Take Care of Yourself – It can be easy to neglect your health while caring for others but making sure you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver to others.

Maintain Good Communication – A major stressor for sandwich generation caregivers is feelings of guilt when caregiving tasks detract from time spent with family.

Seek Support – Contact the Alzheimer’s Association or use our online Community Resource Finder to locate dementia care resources in your area.

Talk to Your Employer – A 2023 AARP report found that 45% of employed caregivers indicate their employers offered flexible work schedules. Some companies allow telecommuting.

Know You’re Doing Your Best – Remember that the care you provide makes a difference and that you are doing the best you can.


“Caregiving, particularly when you are caring for a loved one with dementia and children at home, can be overwhelming,” said Lionell Martin, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “It is important to know that high levels of stress can be harmful to all family members. But there is support and resources that can help family members navigate through the journey including.


To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and find local support services and resources, visit alz.org/Illinois.

 

Lionell Martin, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, Phone: 773.593.4211
Email: lrmartin@alz.org

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.


 

 


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