Alzheimer's Caregivers: Sandwiched Between Parenting Your Kids and Your Parents

Alzheimer’s Caregiving: Taking Care of Yourself continued...

Of course, getting time for yourself hinges on getting help from others. “I think Americans have trouble asking for help,” says Eric J. Hall, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in New York City. “But you really cannot take care of your loved one by yourself.”

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to get locked into your habits, to keep doing things the same way even if they’re not working. But try to keep some perspective and think of creative ways to get help. At the very least, reach out to some of local and national organizations for Alzheimer’s caregiver support.

Schempp says that sometimes it’s not so much an issue of asking for help, but accepting it. What’s her advice for overworked women and men in the sandwich generation? The next time you run into someone -- anyone – who politely offers to help, don’t assume the person doesn’t really mean it. Don’t modestly decline. “Just say yes,” she says.