Within five years, more than half of people in United States who are over 50 years old will have surviving parents.  This is unprecedented in the history of this great country and presents a unique challenge for people caring for both their growing children, and their elderly parents.  It’s called the “Sandwich Generation,” and it’s becoming a hot topic as baby boomers approach their retirement years.

Only a fraction of our seniors ever end up in institutionalized care.  Someone must be taking care of the rest of them.  It usually falls on the family, and can be a major source of stress.  Aaron Marcum, Certified Senior Advisor and founder of Arbor Senior Care in Salt Lake City has some tips for people who suddenly find themselves with three jobs – employee, parent, and caregiver.

Most importantly, begin to reach out.  Too many people take on the stress of eldercare by themselves.  You are not the only person going through this.  There are community resources to help you, including community groups, support networks, and other resources.  Your local health unit will have more information.

Involve as many family members as possible.  If you have brothers and sisters, make sure they are actively involved in the care of your parents.  Even your older children can help out with visits and errands.

Work with your employer.  Your boss has a vested interest in making sure you can perform at your highest level.  That may mean working out a flexible schedule or taking different days off.  It’s estimated that employees who are also caregivers cost the economy $2.6 billion in “lost time” alone, making eldercare an important topic in the workplace.

Consider respite care.  Working at your own job and with your own family all day, then caring for your parents at night is physically and emotionally exhausting.  Companies like Arbor Senior Care can help with a variety of respite services and in- home care options.

The biggest thing to remember, said Marcum, is that you don’t have to do it alone.  “Caring for an elderly family member can be rewarding, but it can also be incredibly stressful.  There’s no reason to take on the burden alone.  Access all the services you can, to make the experience as easy on you as possible.”