Episode 5: The Loneliness of Caregiving with Jessica Kim of ianacare

Ever have one of those moments where you just want to scream a little? Caregiving can feel like that, especially when well-meaning people say things that completely miss the mark. Those small comments can add up, and before you know it, you’re carrying a kind of loneliness that’s hard to put into words.Whether you’re supporting a loved one through a terminal diagnosis, navigating aging, walking alongside someone at the end of life, or grieving after they’re gone, the “in-between” losses can feel overwhelming. Life keeps moving all around you, and somehow you’re expected to keep up.And if you’re a sandwiched caregiver? You might find yourself craving moments of joy in the middle of it all - only to be met with guilt (or even a little side-eye) when you actually have fun. Simple, right?In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Pod, Eliesa and Robyn sit down with Jessica Kim, founder of Ianacare (“I Am Not Alone Care”). Jessica has spent most of her adult life as a caregiver while raising three kids, and she’s turned that experience into a mission to support others navigating the same challenges. Together, we talk about the loneliness of caregiving, finding connection, and giving yourself permission to hold both grief and joy at the same time.Because at the end of the day, you’re not alone—we’re in this together.TakeawaysLoneliness creeps in and can be all consuming when you’re a caregiver. The fork in the road: Do you need to leave your career to be a caregiver?Our Mindset: How we reframe things is huge - we need to balance JOY in caregivingThe THREE day rule - how have you tended to your priorities over the course of three days? Kids + activitiesMarriageFriendsWellness / gymWorkFaithHow does full time caregiving effect our children? Do they see our stress as much as we feel it?Culture Change: Lets not make others feel guilty while seeking JOY while they are GRIEVINGIanacare: How this company supports families and helps them with loneliness. Also: a HUGE Medicare GUIDE program for families with Alzheimer's!Links + Resources: Ianacare WebsiteFollow Ianacare on InstagramCaring for someone with Dementia? See if you Qualify for the Medicare GUIDE Program - at NO cost to you!Chapters:00:00 Intros and our Meet Cute with Jessica Kim02:29 Jessica's Caregiving Story22:30 Mindshift: Reframing Priorities in Caregiving29:04 Impact of Caregiving on Children38:07 Seeking Joy Amidst Grief43:47 The Loneliness of Caregiving47:23 How caregiving changes you55:05 IANACare and a Medicare funded program for Caregivers01:02:59 Engagement and Community Building01:03:35 Outro