Carol, a 59-year-old woman with disheveled hair, downturned mouth and a weary look, was typical of the many “sandwich generation” caregivers who have come to our psychology practices during the past 25 years.

She was determined to care for her 87-year-old mother with mild dementia, her disabled husband with chronic back pain, and a young grandchild with autism, but also felt pulled in too many directions and overwhelmed. She needed what most caregivers need — ongoing understanding and support, information about medical conditions and social services, strategies for pacing herself and balancing her duties, and praise for making a positive difference in the well-being of her family.