Caring for an aging loved one is a journey many families face together—especially those in what’s often called the “sandwich generation.” Nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s now juggle responsibilities for both aging parents and dependent children. The emotional, physical, and financial demands of caregiving can quickly become overwhelming for any one person. That’s why more families are turning to a team approach—taking inspiration from Millennial and Gen X caregivers who use collaboration and technology to lighten the load.
Whether you're a sibling, spouse, friend, or neighbor, building a coordinated caregiving team can make all the difference in preserving the well-being of both the care recipient and the caregiver. Here are practical caregiving strategies to help your family work together more effectively.
1. Set Up Regular Check-Ins
Establish a rhythm of weekly or monthly updates using whatever tools work best for your group—phone calls, group texts, email threads, or video chats. These check-ins offer a chance to:
Digital tools like Google Calendar, LotsaHelpingHands.com, and CaringBridge.org can help centralize information and avoid scheduling conflicts.
2. Think Beyond the Parent’s Needs
Supporting a caregiver isn’t just about helping with Mom or Dad. It’s about reducing the overall stress of the primary caregiver. Team members might:
Small tasks can have a big impact when they free up time and energy.
3. Rotate Responsibilities When Life Gets Busy
Caregiving needs don’t pause—but life still happens. If one person typically takes Dad to appointments but has a busy work week coming up, another team member can step in temporarily. Creating a flexible system helps prevent burnout and keeps things running smoothly.
4. Build in Time for Breaks
Every primary caregiver needs rest and rejuvenation. Especially when the aging parent lives in the caregiver’s home, regular breaks are crucial for long-term sustainability. Family members can help by:
Even short breaks help caregivers stay emotionally balanced and physically healthy.
5. Recognize That Support Comes in Many Forms
Everyone has different capacities. Some family members may not have much time, but they can contribute financially. Others may live far away but can call regularly to provide emotional support. All contributions matter, and creating space for different kinds of help encourages continued participation from everyone.
How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help
Sometimes, even with a team, families need expert guidance to keep everything on track. Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) are professionals trained in elder care coordination and advocacy. At LiveWell, our care managers help families:
By serving as a central point of contact, GCMs make it easier for families to collaborate—especially when siblings live far apart or caregiving responsibilities feel unevenly distributed.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone—Build Your Caregiving Team Today
Creating a support system is one of the most powerful ways to prevent caregiver burnout and ensure your loved one receives the best care possible. Whether you have a large family network or are managing care solo, LiveWell is here to help you create a team approach that works.
