S2E2: Midlife in the Middle

S2E2

In this episode of Reset Recharge, host Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia discusses her personal experiences and insights into managing medical crises for loved ones while emphasizing the importance of self-care. She shares practical strategies for organizing care and maintaining emotional and physical well-being during stressful times, particularly for midlife women caught in the 'sandwich era'—balancing responsibilities between children and aging parents. This episode highlights the importance of delegation, setting boundaries, emotional rest, and modeling self-care for future generations.

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By Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia | Reset Recharge Podcast | January 19, 2026

Navigating the Sandwich Era, Caregiving, and the Power of Asking for Help

Midlife has a way of humbling even the most capable among us.

In Season 2, Episode 2 of Reset Recharge, I share an episode that wasn’t originally planned—but one that felt necessary. Life intervened, as it often does, and I found myself traveling urgently to support a loved one through a medical crisis. Thankfully, they are doing well, thanks to the extraordinary care of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff—my colleagues—who make standing on the other side of the white coat just a little more bearable.

Sitting in a hospital room, I needed a way to process everything swirling in my head. That’s when I returned to a practice I once resisted: journaling.

From Powering Through to Slowing Down

For much of my life, my default response to discomfort has been to push through. Like many midlife women—especially eldest daughters—I’m used to being capable, decisive, and reliable. Asking for help has never come easily.

But journaling has helped me slow down enough to transform thoughts and emotions into intentional action. What once felt indulgent has become essential. Reflection isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival tool.

The Reality of the “Sandwich Era”

Midlife often places us squarely in what I call the sandwich era. We’re caring for children while simultaneously navigating health changes, aging, or acute medical issues in the generation above us. Add in hormonal shifts, changing bodies, and our own new diagnoses, and suddenly life feels heavier.

As a physician, an eldest daughter, and a midlife woman, I live at the intersection of these worlds. Medical knowledge doesn’t insulate me from fear or uncertainty. It doesn’t make caregiving easier when someone you love is sick.

One of the hardest truths caregiving has forced me to face is this:

My capacity is not endless.
Needing help is not failure—it’s necessary.

When Someone You Love Is Hospitalized: How to Get Organized

Hospitals often rely on adult children to help coordinate care and plan for what comes next. Discharge planning, especially for older adults, is one of the most vulnerable points in the healthcare journey.

When deciding whether a loved one can safely return home, it’s important to step back and ask key questions:

• How complex is the medical issue?

• What is their balance and fall risk?

• Have there been cognitive changes that haven’t resolved?

• Can they manage activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, cooking, using the bathroom)?

• If not, how much support will they need?

• What does insurance actually cover—and what will fall on you financially?

Uncertainty makes planning nearly impossible and amplifies fear. This is where knowing who to lean on in the hospital matters.

Care teams include more than physicians and nurses. Case managers, social workers, financial counselors, and physical and occupational therapists are essential allies. Ask for them early. Advocate for those consults so decisions don’t fall solely on your shoulders.

Caring for Yourself While You’re Caregiving

Many midlife women are default problem-solvers. But an acute medical crisis will stretch even the most resilient among us. There’s no pause button on parenting, work, or relationships—and without boundaries, burnout and moral distress quickly follow.

Here are seven strategies I shared to help protect yourself during caregiving:

1. Delegate
   You don’t have to do everything yourself. If people offer help, accept it. Let your community show up.

2. Set boundaries
   Decide how often you can be at the bedside, how many updates you can manage, and how much emotional weight you can carry each day.

3. Build in physical recovery
   Eat real meals. Sleep in uninterrupted blocks when possible. Move your body. Get outside and find sunlight.

4. Prioritize emotional rest
   Journal. Talk to a trusted friend or therapist. Find spaces where you don’t have to explain yourself.

5. Let go of the “perfect daughter” narrative
   Safe caregiving does not require perfection.

6. Distinguish urgent from important
   Not everything needs to be solved today—and most things can’t be.

7. Model sustainable self-care for the next generation
   Our children are watching. Show them what healthy, sustainable caregiving actually looks like.

A Message for Women in the Sandwich Era

This episode was recorded during what felt like a very long few days—but the lessons from that time are ones I know many of you are living right now.

If you’re in the sandwich era of your life—pulled between roles, responsibilities, and generations—I hope these tools meet you when you need them most.

You are not weak for needing help.
You are not failing because you’re tired.
And you are not alone.

Thank you for being here with me. I look forward to continuing this conversation with you on the next episode of Reset Recharge.