Written by the experts at Trinity Homecare

With life expectancy increasing, many families now find themselves caring for elderly parents / relatives well into their own adulthood. While caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding, it also brings significant challenges, especially for those balancing the demands of a young family, work and personal well-being. 

Juggling caregiving with the responsibilities of raising children and maintaining a household can be overwhelming, often leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.  

To support you on this journey, the professional carers at Trinity Homecare have compiled some practical tips and resources to help you achieve a healthier balance between caregiving, family life and personal wellbeing.

Caring for elderly parents while raising a young family  Few things are as challenging as balancing care for elderly parents with the demands of raising young children. This unique position, often called the ‘sandwich generation’, leaves many caregivers stretched thin as they juggle responsibilities for both their children and parents, alongside work and personal life commitments. 

The reality of caring for both young children and ageing parents is that it requires patience, compassion and resilience. Every family’s situation is different, but the following strategies can help you manage these responsibilities with greater ease: 

Outsource where possible  Trying to manage everything on your own can quickly lead to burnout. Consider outsourcing some of the tasks to lighten your load. For example, if your child’s school offers an early breakfast club, using this service could free up time in the morning for your parent’s needs. Similarly, a meal delivery service once a week could reduce stress if your evening schedule is tight.  

If appropriate, encourage your children to be part of caring for their grandparents in age-appropriate ways. This can foster empathy and responsibility and also ease some of the burden on you. For example, they could help with small tasks like fetching items or read to their grandparent, creating bonding moments while lightening your load. 

Prioritise and manage your time  Create a list of caregiving tasks, organising them by urgency. For example, attending a medical appointment with your parents may be a priority, while tasks like tidying up can wait if necessary. Likewise, school commitments like parent-teacher meetings might take precedence over errands. Learning to distinguish between ‘urgent’ and ‘non-urgent’ tasks can help you focus on what truly needs attention and free up mental space. 

Using apps to manage and share caregiving tasks can help streamline your schedule, especially if multiple family members are involved. Apps like CareZone and Lotsa Helping Hands enable you to track medication schedules, organise tasks and coordinate with others. They can help you stay on top of caregiving duties and find pockets of free time. 

Plan ahead for emergencies  Unexpected situations such as a sudden illness in the family can quickly complicate your caregiving routine. Having a backup plan for these emergencies can ease your stress when the unexpected happens. Consider identifying a friend or neighbour who could help with your children if you need to tend to your parents in a crisis. Similarly, look into respite care options or volunteer support services that can assist your elderly parent(s) on short notice. 

Find support outside your friends and family  It’s not always possible to rely solely on family and friends, especially if they have their own responsibilities. Community organisations, such as Age UK , Dementia UK , The Alzheimer’s Society and local councils, offer a variety of services for elderly adults, including companionship, groups, transportation and daycare. Utilising these resources can give you a much-needed break, knowing your loved ones are in good hands. 

Look at what financial support you can receive Check to see if you or your family members are eligible for financial support. Find out if you can claim any benefits or save money in other ways. 

Talk to your employer  Balancing a job on top of caregiving duties can add a significant amount of stress. If you’re employed, consider speaking with your HR department about flexible work arrangements. Many employers offer options like remote work, flexible hours or occasional leave days, especially if you explain your unique situation. Establishing open communication with your employer can foster understanding and help you better manage both your job and caregiving responsibilities. 

Engage supportive caregiver networks  Connecting with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and practical advice. Consider joining online support groups where parents balancing elder care and young families share their experiences and solutions. Many organisations, such as Carers UK, offer online forums and virtual support groups that can be accessed at any time, making them convenient for busy schedules. 

Schedule time for self-care  In the middle of so many responsibilities, setting aside time for yourself is essential. Schedule a regular time, even just an hour a week, to recharge and focus on your own well-being. This might mean having your partner take the children out for an evening so you can unwind at home or arranging for a babysitter so you can go out with friends. Even a small, dedicated block of ‘me-time’ can reduce stress and provide the energy needed to continue caregiving. 

Let go of guilt Feelings of guilt often accompany the balancing act of caregiving. Whether you feel you’re not doing enough for your children or your elderly parents, it’s important to remember that these emotions are common. Rather than dwell on these feelings, try to acknowledge them and focus on all the positive ways you contribute to your family. Caregiving is not about perfection; it’s about doing the best you can within your circumstances. 

Caregiving can be really demanding, and it’s crucial to prioritise your own well-being as much as that of your loved one. Trinity Homecare offers an ‘Outstanding’ rated home care service, providing essential support when you need to step back.  

For more insights on how to manage these challenges, take a look at our guide on what to do when an elderly parent refuses care. Read more here. 

 While you are here we have lots more blogs on various topics which you can find here, as well as our downloadable webinars on topics such as behaviour and emotions, sleep and toilet training.

Don’t forget that we offer parent consultations should you need support with anything from sleep to behaviour and so much more! Details of the packages we offer can be found here.

We also have a podcast - ‘Newborn to Teen and Everything in Between’ - listen here.