For the so-called “sandwich generation,” having to provide care can be a huge burden.
Caring for children and maintaining social and work relationships while working as a caregiver for a parent with dementia can be physically taxing. mental and emotional challengesmultiple experts told Fox News Digital.
Experts say role reversals can be especially difficult to deal with.
Caring for your spouse through good times and bad: One military man’s incredible story
“A parent’s role is to be someone who respects, respects and listens,” Dr. Nancy Frye, a professor of psychology at Long Island University Post Campus in Brookville, New York, told FOX News Digital.
As parents’ cognitive functioning declines, the question arises: how can we break out of traditional ways? Role of parent and child“There are no clear norms or guidelines,” she said.
Experts say the burden of providing care can be a huge burden for the so-called “sandwich generation.” (St. Petersburg)
“People looked up to their parents, looked to them for advice, and lived their lives with respect for their privacy and autonomy,” Fry continued.
“Now they find themselves digging into their parents’ affairs and wondering when to start making decisions for their parents.”
Stress of the “sandwich generation”
According to a 2023 study published in the journal International, caregivers of the “sandwich generation” – caregivers tasked with caring for multiple generations, such as parents and children, at the same time – are less likely to care for only their children. Individuals report significantly higher levels of burnout than their caregivers. Journal of Aging and Human Development.
Caregivers of older adult women have lower mortality rates than non-caregivers, study finds: ‘Sense of purpose’
A middle-aged caregiver from Long Island, New York, who asked not to be named, told FOX News Digital that while caring for her, she barely has time to shower. mother with dementia.
“How can I find time to go for a walk or have coffee with a friend when I’m worried about her wandering or falling?” she asked.
Those tasked with caring for members of multiple generations reported significantly higher levels of personal burnout than those tasked with caring for only children. (St. Petersburg)
To avoid caregiver burnout when caring for a parent who is dealing with an illness such as dementia, health experts He said it’s important to take time for yourself.
“Caring for someone with dementia can be very stressful,” Fry says. “In order to take care of someone else, you have to take care of yourself. It’s okay to take a break.”
Teenager is primary caregiver for mother with MS in Mexico: ‘We are a team’
Dr. Mark L. Gordon, chief of neurology at Zucker Hillside Hospital Northwell Health on Long Island, New York, said caregivers should not be afraid to rely on others.
“It’s important to find time to rest and ask for help, rather than trying to cope alone.”
It added: “Just like you’re told on a plane, if there’s an emergency, you should put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.”
“How can I find time to go for a walk or have coffee with a friend when I’m worried about her wandering or falling?”
Darcy Henry is a board certified dementia specialist and licensed. nursing home manager with Truarta — Canadian company provides online support and education to caregivers — Caregivers say they experience a range of emotions, all of which are legitimate.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Henry emphasized the importance of delegating responsibilities to other family members and outsourcing tasks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2020, there were approximately 53 million caregivers in the United States, a sharp increase from 43.5 million in 2015. (St. Petersburg)
This may mean utilizing community resources such as meal preparation, grocery delivery, and laundry services.
“Reaching out and getting extra support is really important to protect yourself,” Henry said.
“I’m taking self care time Not selfish. it’s necessary. “
Stay well: Take smart steps to reduce the stress of caregiving
Even if you can’t leave your house, Henry suggested taking “micro-moments.”
“It can be something as small as taking a few deep breaths, stretching, standing outside on your porch, or just enjoying a cup of coffee,” she says.
When talking to children about their grandparents’ condition, experts say knowledge is power. (St. Petersburg)
It is also important to make time family relationships Henry says it’s also important to check in with your spouse or partner daily.
This can include going for a walk after dinner, having regular family meetings, and discussing the division of responsibilities.
get through a difficult discussion
“If there are underlying issues within the family, they will definitely come to the fore once the caregiving role begins,” Henry says.
people should seek professional help If the burden of caregiving is affecting your relationships, she advised.
“Many families have someone from outside come in and mediate the visitation.”
Caregiver fatigue is increasing at an unprecedented rate in America: Report
Having an outside perspective can “provide a different lens” to the conversation and ensure everyone’s opinion is heard, Henry said.
She said it’s important to be respectful and understand limits and expectations when communicating.
“Try to take things as they happen, moment by moment,” says one expert. “Focus on whether your parent is having a good time or day, rather than seeing him get better or worse quickly.” (St. Petersburg)
Then, talk to children Regarding his grandparents’ condition, Henry said knowledge is power.
“The more you teach teens and young adults about what’s going on, the more empathy they may have for the situation.”
“If there are underlying issues within the family, they will definitely come to the fore once the caregiving role begins.”
To deal with the mood swings often associated with dementia, Henry suggested maintaining a stable lifestyle as much as possible and developing strategies to identify and prevent certain behavioral triggers.
“It’s really important to understand what’s going on in that person’s brain, so you understand that it’s not them who’s giving you a hard time, they’re making you have a hard time.” “It helps us do that,” Henry said.
“One day at a time”
It’s best to adopt a “one day at a time” mindset, Frye suggested.
“It’s tempting to see a parent’s condition or behavior, whether good or bad, as an indicator of what’s to come,” she says.
To combat the mood swings often associated with dementia, experts suggested maintaining a stable lifestyle as much as possible and developing strategies to identify and prevent triggers. (St. Petersburg)
“Try to take things as they happen, moment by moment. Focus on your parent having good times and bad days, rather than your parent getting better or declining quickly. Please,” suggested Mr. Fry.
She added that continuing to give parents as much voice and autonomy as possible helps. As long as it’s safe.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Decades ago, Ellen Langer did a study where she gave nursing home residents plants and told them either they needed to take care of them or the staff would take care of them,” Fry said. Ta.
“People who were tasked with caring for their own plants lived longer.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
As of 2020, there are approximately 53 million caregivers in the United States.
That’s up from 43.5 million people in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
