Caring for a loved one can be rewarding and can give you the opportunity to connect with the person who needs care in special ways. At times, caregiving while you’re managing work and family life can feel overwhelming.
You might be an adult child stepping into a caregiving role for an aging parent, part of the sandwich generation caring for both kids and parents or someone caring for a loved one with a disability.
Whatever your caregiving responsibilities are, the challenges are real. And managing everything in your life can impact your finances, mental health and career.
If you're feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone. Many caregivers face similar struggles. Lori Nisson, a licensed clinical social worker and director with Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Banner Alzheimer's Institute, outlined some of the challenges and ways you can find balance and support.
The growing role of millennial caregivers
Millennials are now age 29 to 44 and many people in this generation are young professionals or new parents. But on top of those responsibilities, studies show that millennials make up a large percentage of family caregivers. They provide unpaid care to parents, grandparents or other family members or loved ones.
There are a few reasons more millennials are finding themselves in caregiving roles:
- When people live longer, they may need more help as they age.
- Unexpected health issues may force people into caregiving.
- Professional care is expensive, so for many families caregiving is the best option.
- Families may want their loved ones to stay at home, not in care facilities.
The sandwich generation: Caught in two caregiving roles
It’s tough enough to be a caregiver to an aging loved one or a person with a disability. The challenge is even greater for people who care for their children and another loved one at the same time.
This double duty can be exhausting. You might be facing sandwich generation stress — feeling pulled in many directions, constantly overwhelmed and putting your needs last. All that pressure could lead to caregiver burnout.
You may feel isolated and emotionally stressed by all of your responsibilities, especially if you don’t have experience as a caregiver. You could develop compassion fatigue.
The financial and career impact of caregiving
It’s tough to work and be a caregiver. It can strain your budget if you must pay for medical bills or home modifications or take time off from work without pay. Caregivers may:
- Have trouble balancing their jobs with their caregiving duties
- Shift from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours
- Turn down promotions
- Stop working entirely
- Change jobs so they can meet their caregiving responsibilities
Tips for managing what’s on your plate
These tips may help you feel less stressed and more in control:
- Create a realistic schedule: Prioritize your tasks, set boundaries and delegate.
- Ask for help: Turn to siblings, spouses or others to share the load. Even family members who live far away can be of help. If possible, hire people to help with childcare, babysitting or caregiving or use services to deliver groceries, household supplies and meals.
- Consider alternatives: See if you can schedule medical appointments at off hours or join by phone or video if you can arrange transportation for your loved one.
- Communicate: Communication is especially important if you’re caring for children and seniors. “Be honest with both your child and the older adult about your responsibilities in each situation and at work. Be sure to make time for each of them separately, as well as carving out time for yourself,” Nisson said.
- Hire a certified geriatric care manager: This is a nurse or social worker who can coordinate care, go to appointments to take notes for you and be at the hospital for an unexpected admission. They usually charge by the hour, so you can manage the cost. Local nonprofits, Medicare Advantage plans and state Medicare long term care plans may offer lower-cost services for managing care.
- Be sure advanced directives are in place: Your loved one should agree to giving you powers of attorney for health care, mental health care and financial decision making. This will allow you to make decisions when they are no longer able to do so. Be sure to give these documents to providers, so they have permission to communicate directly with you.
- Sign up for a patient portal: Once you have health care power of attorney, you can usually sign up for access to your loved one’s patient portal to see their medical records and stay informed about their care.
- Connect with your community: "Seek education, caregiver support and resources from your local area agency on aging, available in most counties," Nisson said.
Strategies that can help you cope
Self-care for caregivers is important:
- Take breaks: Even small moments of self-care can help prevent burnout. "Respite is required. Self-care is not selfish – it’s self-preservation," Nisson said. Spending time practicing mindfulness, exercising, socializing or taking part in hobbies can restore your energy.
- Care for yourself: Do your best to eat well, get some physical activity most days and prioritize sleep.
- Look into respite care: Longer breaks can reduce your stress and help you feel less isolated. Adult day programs and respite services can give you a break from caregiving while providing your family member with social activities and some meals.
- Sign up for a patient portal: Once you have health care power of attorney, you can usually sign up for access to your loved one’s patient portal to see their medical records. This will help you stay informed about their care, especially when you can’t make all their appointments.
- Listen to caregiving podcasts: Banner Health’s Dementia Untangled may be helpful if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
- Join a support group: Connect with others online or in person who understand the challenges you’re facing. Many nonprofits offer caregiver support groups. Emotional support is important — it may help reduce your risk of depression.
- Get professional help: If caregiving is impacting your mental health, talk to a counselor or therapist.
Ways to lower the impact on your budget and your job
Family caregiving challenges can be tough on your finances. It may help to:
- See what your employer offers: Look into paid family leave options, paid time off, caregiver benefits, career coaching, financial advising and support groups.
- Adjust your schedule: Talk to your employer about flexible work options, like shifting your work hours or remote or part-time work.
- Look into aid: Explore local city, county, state or other government programs or financial assistance for caregiving.
- Set up a budget: You may need to plan ways to manage medical and caregiving expenses.
- Stay organized: Use apps or online tools to schedule and keep track of your work and caregiving responsibilities. Share your calendars as needed with your boss, colleagues and people who are helping with caregiving responsibilities.
The bottom line
Caregiving is challenging but it’s also meaningful. Seeking help, setting boundaries and taking care of yourself can make it easier to focus on why caregiving is important to you and the difference it makes for your loved one.
At Banner Health, we understand the demands of caregiving. If you need support, resources or guidance, connect with one of our experts.
