We know that things may be harder right now than they were before Covid-19. Work, family, caregiving, and parenting, are all responsibilities in our daily lives that may be more complicated now as we face social distancing and being limited to staying at home.
It is widely acknowledged that being a family caregiver, while rewarding to all involved, can be stressful at the best of times. You may find it is especially so if you are taking care of an older parent in addition to your own child or children. Add current world events to the mix, and you may be feeling overwhelmed right now. The good news is that more help than you may have known of can be readily available.
As a family caregiver, you are likely classified as a member of the Sandwich Generation if you:
- Are 40 years old or older,
- You are caring for one parent who is at least 65; and
- You are raising a minor child; or
- You are providing financial support to an adult child.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, millions of Americans are in the same boat. Another survey also found almost half of middle-aged Americans are caring for an aging parent and their own children.
While this may come as no surprise, family caregivers in the sandwich generation often tend to try to handle the demands on their time alone. As a result, they can be prone to emotional or mental health concerns such as depression. They are also prone to illnesses associated with stress and exhaustion, which is of special concern right now in today’s environment.
Burnout is also common among those who do not receive adequate support. How do you know you need help? In our experience, you may need relief if you are struggling with or have struggled with:
- Anger
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Anxiety or grouchiness
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Overwhelming sadness
- Unexplained weight loss
There are resources available for family caregivers. The following groups facilitate access to support, information, and other tools to help family caregivers in the United States:
- The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
- The AARP Caregiver Resource Center
- The Caregiver Action Network
- The Family Caregiver Alliance
- The National Alliance for Caregiving
We know how challenging it is to be a caregiver at any age, and at any time. We want you to know that we are here to support you on this and any of your elder care issues. Simply contact our law office to schedule a meeting with attorney Alan Hougum at your earliest convenience.
