Staying Organized as a Member of The Sandwich Generation
If you’re around my age (47), you might be feeling the weight of what they call the "sandwich generation." That means you’re juggling responsibilities for both your children and your aging parents. While I’m not fully there yet—my parents are still healthy at 75—I know it’s only a matter of time.
And let’s not forget the personal changes that come with this age, especially for women. Perimenopause? Yep, that rollercoaster is real. Rapidly growing children with ever evolving needs and shifts? You know it! So, let’s talk about how to keep it all together: caring for parents, caring for kids, and most importantly, caring for yourself!
Organizing for Aging Parents
The best thing you can do now is have open communication with your parents about their "plan" for aging. It might feel like a tough conversation, but trust me, having a plan in place will save you so much stress in the long run.
One of the most useful tools I recommend is a home folder that keeps all their essential information in one place. Here’s what you should include:
Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, Social Security number, emergency contacts.
Identification: Driver’s license, Medicare card, insurance card.
Medical Information: Medical Power of Attorney, Advance Directive/Living Will, HIPAA form.
Health History: Allergies, immunizations, prescriptions (with dosage and prescribing doctor), and family medical history.
For extra security and accessibility, consider storing a digital version in a private Google Doc to share with family members who don’t live with you.
Keeping Kids and Family Life Organized
If you have kids, especially ones who aren’t old enough for a cell phone (like my 12-year-old), keeping a weekly schedule is a game-changer. Here’s how we use ours:
Schoolwork: List out tests, assignments, and projects.
Sports & Activities: Mark practice and game times.
Parent Schedule: Indicate when I’m not home so my son knows what to expect.
This not only helps him stay accountable but also teaches time management skills early on.
For families who use babysitters or nannies, I’ve created a childcare template that lays out everything a sitter needs to know before they even arrive. When I worked as a photographer and had last-minute sitter cancellations, this document saved me. I used an app called Juggle to find sitters on the fly, and having everything written down made the transition seamless. I used to update it every 2-3 months, but now I refresh it about once a year.
Prioritizing Your Own Health and Wellness
With everything going on, it’s easy to put yourself last—but don’t! As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that long-term health matters way more than sweating the small stuff. My advice? Find a great doctor who takes the time to listen and schedule regular checkups.
Many long-term health conditions can be prevented or managed with early detection, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Staying on top of your health now will help you stay strong and energized for the years ahead.
Final Thoughts
Being in the sandwich generation isn’t easy, but staying organized can help lighten the load. From preparing for aging parents to managing busy family schedules and prioritizing self-care, small steps now can make a big difference later. Let’s embrace this stage of life with a plan and a little bit of humor—because, let’s face it, we’re all just trying to keep it together!
What strategies have helped you stay organized while balancing family responsibilities? Share in the comments!