THE CHALLENGINGLAYERS OF CAREGIVING, AND HOW TO HANDLE THEM

Caregivers are often called the "sandwich generation," caught between raising children and caring for aging parents. But if you ask me, it’s more like a seven-layer dip — layered, messy, unique, and requiring every part to work together.

As a caregiver, you wear many hats: nurse, tech support, financial planner, emotional anchor, and family coordinator, all while trying to hold on to your own identity. It’s hard. But it also reveals your strength. You learn what truly matters, how resilient you are, and most importantly, that you are not alone.

1. The Medical Maze

Keeping up with appointments, medications, diagnoses, and healthcare paperwork can feel overwhelming. What helps: Start a binder or shared digital folder that includes:

• Medication lists

• Doctor notes and test results

• A copy of your loved one’s healthcare proxy

• A running list of questions to ask providers

This turns confusion into clarity.

2. The Emotional Rollercoaster

Joy, grief, guilt, love, and frustration can all exist at the same time.

What helps: Give yourself permission to feel it all. Don’t judge your emotions. Just don’t carry them alone. Talk to someone you trust, or reach out to a caregiver support group.

The Alzheimer's Alliance has support groups on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month. Need more information? Call us at 903-223-8021 to learn more information.

3. Information Overload

There’s no instruction manual for caregiving. You may find yourself googling late at night or wondering what you’re missing.

What helps: The Alzheimer's Alliance is available Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM to help you find your next step. Outside of our office hours you can call the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline at 866-232-8484. It’s staffed by licensed social workers who specialize in dementia care.

A good starting question is: “What should I be asking that I’m not?”

4. Family Tension

Not everyone will step up, and not everyone will agree.

What helps: Set boundaries early. Be honest and clear about what’s needed and what’s not possible. Transparency can ease conflict and help protect your peace of mind.

5. Financial Pressure

The costs of caregiving can sneak up on you. Even small expenses add up fast.

What helps: Track everything. Explore programs like respite grants, Medicaid waivers, and Veterans benefits. You may be eligible for more support than you think.

6. Social Isolation

Caregiving can be lonely, especially when your world starts to shrink.

What helps: Stay connected in small, realistic ways. A text thread with a friend or a local caregiver group can make a big difference. You need people who see you, not just the caregiver.

7. Identity Loss

It’s easy to lose sight of yourself while taking care of someone else.

What helps: Make time for something that’s yours, even 10 minutes a day. A podcast, a short walk, journaling, or a favorite hobby. You’re still a whole person. Don’t forget that.

Author: Francesca B. Falzarano, Ph.D. in the Alzheimer's Today Magazine, Volume 8 Number 2 pg. 8

https://alzfdn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Updated-6.3.-Alz-Today-20.2-MECH-HR-single-pages-1.pdf