Holding it all together: Tools to support caregivers and the sandwich generation

“How do you do it all?” If you’re caring for children or aging relatives, or you’re a part of the “sandwich generation” and are caring for both, you’ve likely been asked this question. And some days, you’re probably not sure how you juggle all the responsibilities. Between school pickups, managing medical appointments, and work deadlines, caregiving takes a lot of emotional energy, time, and money. 

At Stanford, you matter as much as the work, and our benefits and programs are here to support your well-being and help you find practical support. Short on time? Jump down to a handy list of resources. 

Pay attention to the signs of caregiver stress

When you’re responsible for others, it’s easy to put your own needs last, which can lead to stress and burnout. Plus, many caregivers also experience complicated emotions—from guilt and worry to grief and frustration—especially when supporting loved ones across generations. Caregiving can also affect partner relationships, create tension among siblings, and add financial pressure. So if you’ve snapped at your family over small things or if you’ve been putting off your own doctor’s appointments, you’re not alone.

Common signs of caregiver stress include:

• Constant worrying
• Ongoing fatigue
• Sadness or irritability
• Neglecting your own health
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

If these sound familiar, it’s time to get help. Use the resources listed below for support.

Learn from and connect with others

As a caregiver, you often have to figure out insurance, school systems, and legal matters while having tough conversations with family members. Having guidance and connecting with others who understand can make these moments feel more manageable.

One place to start is taking classes that support caregivers through Healthy Living and the WorkLife office. Upcoming classes include Unlock Better Sleep (March 17) and Understanding Your Tween (April 23). Check the schedule regularly for topics that fit where you are right now. 

Caring for an aging relative

Stanford partners with Avenidas to offer Caregiver Workshops that bring caregivers together for education, tools, and community support. In addition, you have access to discounted consultations with a social worker who specializes in elder care, along with conferences on caregiving, housing, and finances. 

Eldercare IQ, powered by Inflection, helps you compassionately and confidently manage care for aging loved ones. Inflection is a digital education platform that is completely free and confidential. Topics include caregiving and mental health, long-term care insurance, palliative care, legal considerations, and financial planning. Each Inflection account includes two complimentary memberships to share with friends or family members, because everyone can use a little support sometimes.

Caring for children

Stanford offers resources to support families at every stage. Find guidance on child care options and programs for working parents. For those parenting teens, join the monthly Parenting Teens drop-in support group to share concerns and get support during this exciting and challenging time. If you need ongoing child care, Stanford’s child care centers have openings for children ages 2-5. 

Plan for the unexpected

Even the best-laid care plans can fall through. And sometimes, you may just need a break. Stanford provides up to 10 days of backup care each year for children and adult and elder relatives when regular care isn’t available. 

Caregiving can also create unexpected financial pressure from medical bills, managing a parent’s expenses, or cutting back on work. Stanford offers financial assistance programs and resources to support you.

Protect your emotional well-being

Taking care of yourself when you’re a caregiver is a necessity. Here are some places to start: 

• Meru Health supports mental and emotional well-being and offers resources specifically focused on caregiver stress, including a recorded webinar on the sandwich generation that covers strategies for managing emotional strain while balancing competing priorities.
• The Faculty Staff Help Center offers free, confidential coaching and counseling services, in person or via Zoom, for employees in California.
• SupportLinc provides free, confidential counseling for employees who live outside of California.
• BeWell offers inspiring classes, personalized coaching, a supportive community, and rewards—helping you build sustainable, healthy habits to replenish your energy and focus.

Whatever your caregiving role looks like right now, support is available. Take care of yourself so you can keep showing up for the people who need you.

Caregiver resources

Physical and mental health resources

• BeWell – your well-being hub at Stanford. Provides classes, coaching, and 24/7 virtual activities so you can care for your well-being anytime, anywhere.
• Emotional health resources  – on Cardinal at Work.
• Faculty Staff Help Center (FSHC)  – confidential counseling, workshops, discussion groups, including monthly Parenting Teens drop-in support, and more for employees living in California.
• Healthy Living – science-based classes to support all aspects of your well-being.
• Meru Health – 12-week online mental wellness program for employees and their dependents aged 13+ who are enrolled in a university medical plan. Watch a recorded webinar on the sandwich generation.
• SupportLinc – similar services to the FSHC, but for out-of-state employees.

Adult and elder care resources

• Back-up elder care – through Bright Horizons.
• Elder care and caregiving info – on Cardinal at Work.
• External resources – compiled by the WorkLife Office.
• Inflection – a digital education platform covering topics like long-term care insurance, palliative care, legal considerations, and financial planning.

Child care resources

• Back-up child care – through Bright Horizons.
• Children and family resources – overview of available resources for life’s stages.
• Learning resources – tutoring, test prep, and more.
• On-site early childhood education – openings for 2-5 year-olds in Stanford’s on-site child care centers.

Financial assistance

• Overview of financial assistance programs for Stanford staff and faculty.
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts for tax savings and help paying for medical and dependent care.
• Employee Emergency Assistance Fund – when you experience a short-term financial emergency or unanticipated expenses that cause you financial hardship.

Visit Cardinal at Work for a total well-being benefits overview.