I’m part of the sandwich generation — caught between being a new mom and my mom’s caregiver

Being a caregiver for a loved one is a challenging and emotional journey that many of us may face at some point in our lives. Beverley Ann D’Cruz, a resident of Brampton, Ont., shared her personal story of caring for her aging parents in a recent First Person column.

The call that changed everything came in the early hours of the morning. Beverley received the devastating news that her mother had suffered a stroke. With her mother in critical condition and her father battling stage four lung cancer, Beverley faced the grim reality of potentially losing both of her parents.

Despite the challenges, Beverley made the difficult decision to bring her mother to live with her in Canada. However, the reality of caregiving proved to be far more challenging than she had anticipated. Her mother’s refusal to participate in physiotherapy and the added responsibility of caring for her young son took a toll on Beverley both physically and emotionally.

As the demands of caregiving mounted, Beverley found herself overwhelmed and exhausted. She struggled with feelings of anger, shame, and guilt as she tried to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her own needs and desires. It wasn’t until she sought therapy and adjusted her expectations that Beverley was able to find a sense of balance and peace.

By enlisting the help of a personal service worker and reevaluating her approach to caregiving, Beverley was able to prioritize her own well-being and that of her family. She learned that it’s okay to ask for help and that caring for a loved one doesn’t mean sacrificing oneself in the process.

Beverley’s story serves as a powerful reminder that caregiving is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and rewards. By learning to set boundaries, seek support, and prioritize self-care, caregivers can navigate the complexities of their role with compassion and resilience.

If you have a similar story of caregiving or overcoming challenges, we would love to hear from you. Share your experiences and insights to inspire and support others on their own caregiving journey.