When you’re caring for an aging parent while raising children, you’re part of what’s known as the sandwich generation, and it can be a lot. Between managing summer camps, coordinating vacations, finding ways to keep the kids entertained, and still showing up for your aging parents, it’s a full plate. The days are longer, and so is your to-do list. Whether you’re running from swim lessons to doctor’s appointments, or juggling family trips and caregiver duties, it’s easy for sandwich generation caregivers to feel stretched too thin.
However, sandwich generation caregivers need to remember that their well-being matters too. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for the people who count on you most. Here are some practical tips to help caregivers in the sandwich generation take care of themselves this summer, ensuring they feel refreshed and recharged.
Prioritize Your Own Health
It’s easy to skip your own appointments when you’re shuttling between camp pick-ups and caregiving tasks, but your health is the foundation for everything else. Try to carve out time for basic self-care. Make time for regular check-ups, try to stay active, and aim for healthy meals. Even small steps, like taking a 10-minute walk or drinking more water, can help reset your body and mind.
Set Realistic Expectations
You may feel the pressure to make summer magical for your kids and be everything your parents need, but perfection isn’t the goal. As a sandwich generation caregiver, you can’t do it all, and that’s okay. Let go of the guilt and accept that some days will be harder than others. Set boundaries, give yourself grace, and focus on what’s truly important each day. It’s okay to order takeout, skip an outing, or let go of a to-do list item if it gives you breathing room.
Ask for Help, and Accept It
You’re not meant to do it all alone, and waiting until you feel burnt out can cause damage. Reach out to siblings, friends, or neighbors to help share the load. Whether it’s watching the kids for an hour or checking in on your parents, leaning on others can help lighten your load. And don’t hesitate to explore professional support options like respite care or home care services, even temporarily. Accepting help doesn’t mean you’re falling short, it means you’re being wise.
Stay Connected
When you’re constantly tending to others, it’s easy to lose touch with your own support system. Make time to connect with people who encourage you, even if it’s a quick text or a phone call during your commute. Surrounding yourself with others who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone and more emotionally supported. Connection is a powerful medicine.
Carve Out Time For You
Summer is often packed with everyone else’s plans, so make sure you’re part of the equation too. You deserve time to breathe. Schedule little moments that bring you joy, whether it’s reading a book, sipping coffee alone on the patio, or watching your favorite show after everyone’s in bed. These small breaks are not luxuries, they’re fuel for your soul.
Reach Out to Senior Living Solutions
At Senior Living Solutions, we understand how demanding life can be for sandwich generation caregivers. That’s why we’re here to help you find the right care for your aging loved ones, whether it’s assisted living, memory care, home care, or independent living. Our experienced placement team takes time to understand your family’s unique needs and helps guide you through the process with compassion and care. We do the legwork so you can spend more time focusing on your family and on your own well-being. Finding the right fit for your mom or dad can lift a huge weight off your shoulders, and we’re here to help make that happen. Let us walk alongside you and help bring peace of mind back into your life. Ready to get started? Contact us today by calling 501-650-3013.