Adults in 2008 are busier now versus prior generations. The internet, cell phones, texting and tivo keep us connected to others 24 hours a day. The concept to deliver more… both at work and at home with our families add stressors to us that our parents never faced.
Add on top of this… your aging parents, the ones you’ve always went to for advise… always reliable to be your anchor in times of need… now relying on you to meet their daily needs. For many, being thrown into this stress inducing role that is now labeled as the “Sandwich Generation” can be a huge challenge.
The Sandwich Generation, are those adults who find themselves not only caring for their dependant children, but now responsible for the care of their aging parents. Caring for ones parents can involve several different scenarios. The aging parents may or may not still live on their own, but will often require assistance with personal care, errands &/or financial assistance.
The Sandwich Generation is estimated to grow, given the current life expectancy increases. This will result in many middle aged adults, ages 45-56, finding themselves with at least one of their parents still living. Add to this the fact that women are having children at an older age and voila’ – you find yourself parenting your parents, while parenting your children at the same time.
Women are working outside the home now more than ever, therefore providing your aging parents the support they may all of a sudden need will prove to be a difficult hurdle. In addition, with the baby boomers aging, this need is projected to snowball and you may find yourself knee-deep in the “Where do I go from here?” group.
If you find yourself suddenly faced with this dilemma, there are many resources available to get information. Researching the internet and discussing this with your parents Physicians are good places to start. Organizations can provide support and assistance for the Sandwich Generation; but locating who can provide quality care and be affordable at the same time, can get complicated. Seeking advice from friends or others who have been through this, will give you the valuable support you may need.
Helpful Resources
Kiplinger’s Financial Solutions for the Sandwich Generation: Ensuring You Have Enough for You, Your Children, and Your Parents
The Hard Questions For Adult Children And Their Aging Parents: 100 Essential Questions For Facing The Future Together, with Courage and Compassion
Caring for Your Aging Parents: A Common-Sense Guide for Transforming a Difficult Time Into a Loving, Cooperative Relationship
www.AgingAvenues.com offers a wide variety of resources for caregivers
Author: Angela Reeves, RN, Director of Clinical Services and Public Health Advocate, Sterling Healthcare Management Services