Ways to Balance Life as a Busy and On the Go Caregiver Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Five Tips for Sandwiched Caregivers

Ways to find balance in a life with competing demands

Taking care of multiple loved ones at once can bring joy and fulfillment — as long as you take care of yourself too. Getty Images/Maskot Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. I do not have children, but I am sandwiched between a very consuming job, a long-distance relationship, managing care for my dad, who has Alzheimer's disease and lives with me (as well as ), handling our finances and keeping up two properties. If that's not sandwiched, I don't know what is. My sister Linda is a more traditional sandwich generation caregiver: She has two young-adult sons and recently moved to Arizona to help care for my father. We are both stretched so thin, it's difficult for us to squeeze in time for self-care. But there are a few things I've learned to do so I'm not crushed under all the layers of my sandwiched life. Some suggestions: 1. . I'm referring to the essence of what makes us who we are. My work is an important part of my identity, and I've kept that going, although I've had to change where and how I work. Music is also a big part of me, but I don't have time to sing in a choir, so I sing with my dad constantly. What is the unique combination of interests and skills that makes you "you"? Find ways to incorporate them in your life, even when caregiving. 2. We may set daily, weekly and big-picture priorities, but with so many demands on our time, we have to be able to reprioritize as circumstances constantly change. 3. . There are only so many hours in the day and only so much of ourselves to spread around. You don't have the luxury of wasting a single minute. Not naturally organized? That's OK, you can learn. Consult a professional organizer for help. 4. . No matter how superhuman we are, no one can deal with all these layers of responsibilities alone. Get help with caregiving as well as with your own tasks — things like work, cleaning, shopping. 5. Keep filling your own tank. I can't stress this enough. Every responsibility requires emotional and mental energy. Consider a variety of ways to refill your energy tank so you can keep going. What have you learned as a sandwiched caregiver? Help other caregivers by posting your tips in the comments section below. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS