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I was talking recently with a longtime friend and association professional who—like 27 million other workers in America—is challenged with the classic “sandwich” situation: caring for children and parents simultaneously. She was exhausted, stressed, and worried about her work productivity as a result.

I know how difficult it is to deal just with childcare when you’re working—I actually keep an Excel program to track the seven camps and five babysitters that my daughter alone is needing to get us through the summer months, and don’t even start me on my son’s schedule—so I can’t imagine throwing multiple parents into the mix.

I felt badly for my friend, but beyond dropping off a meal, picking up a few grocery items for her, and taking the kids sometimes, what else could be done to help? I turned to AARP—something few under-50s likely do regularly (or admit anyway!)—and found not only a nice page of suggestions and resources called “How You can Make a Difference to Caregivers,” but an entire Caregiving Channel.

The channel also links to a two-hour PBS special, “Caring for Your Parents,” that covers the most sensitive subjects surrounding this issue and includes a 30-minute panel discussion. Other features are a Navigating the World of Caregiving tool, with nifty “expert videos,” eldercare checklists, books, and pages that are easily e-mailed to others. Materials also are available for human resource departments, including a CD-ROM and binder of 43 tips for sandwich-stretched employees.

Loads of other eldercare resources are online, of course, but I found AARP’s to be one of the easiest to navigate. Here are some other good possibilities, though:

- The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers is composed of “health and human services specialists who help families care for older relatives, while encouraging as much independence as possible.” Its site has lots of helpful tips for confused consumers.

- Eldercare Locator is a free service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Look, too, under www.eldercare.gov.

- Eldercare Online is a free Internet community stockpiled with practical resources for caregivers.