Dual CareGiving

Caregiving is a serious responsibility. There are many tasks associated with it, including personal care, housekeeping, transportation and companionship. Personal care includes administering medication, and personal hygiene. Housekeeping includes making the bed, washing the dishes, preparing meals. Transportation involves assistance with getting your loved one to appointments, companionship is all about being there when needed.

Today, many Baby Boomers are care giving children and parents. This responsibility is coined as dual caregiving and these caregivers are often referred as the ‘sandwich generation’. Efforts to fulfill the caregiver’s role for both the generation before and after you is double duty.

In all cases, the toughest job is time management. At times, conflicts may arise and sacrifices may have to be made. Caring for an aging parent and raising a child simultaneously will present certain challenges because of the different needs involved. It’s not unusual to feel like you are being pulled in two different directions.

Something to keep in mind with being a dual caregiver: Balance

Balance – Balance is important. Attending to the needs of more than one person (not to mention your own is something that takes time to achieve. Along the way you have to make choices about which needs are the most important in the moment.

School age children need to be prepared for school (breakfast, homework, school activities, etc.). Consider enlisting the service of others like homework tutors, if possible. Develop routines for the older generation so that hygiene and medications are regularly scheduled.

Dual caregiving can push your limits. Push back by expanding your capacity with time management and the help of others. Along the way be sure to find respite for yourself. That and moments of easy, simple joy will lighten your mood and remind you that you are making a difference in the lives of those you love. And, no matter how tiring it can be, you do it because of love.