Articles - Special

    The sandwich generation is not about food.  It’s about adults who have the dual responsibilities of taking care of children and aging parents at the same time. Some are in their 30s or 40s, caught between the needs of their growing children and the needs of their aging parents. Others are in their 50s or 60s, planning for relaxation, travel, and their children are grown, when they must take on a new guardianship, becoming parents to their parents.
    The typical sandwich generationer is in her mid-forties, married, employed, and cares for both her family and an elderly parent, usually her mother. However, more men are also finding themselves in a care giving role. This combination of responsibilities can be daunting, add to this a lack of service availability, care networks, and isolation from other caregivers and family members can add to caregiver stress, burnout, and depression.
     Some of the common stressors that affect sandwich generation caregivers are:
•    How do I split my time between my children/family and my elder loved one?
•    How do I find the time for my marriage?
•    How do I find the time for me?
•    How do I find the resources that I need for myself and my loved one?
•    How do I combat my feelings of isolation?
•    Guilt, guilt, and more guilt for not having enough time to accomplish it all.
    Here are some caregiver tips to counteract some of these stressors:
    Speak to your employer: Once you have the dual roles of caring for both children and aging parents, let your supervisor know about the increased responsibilities just in case emergencies arise.  Another reason to speak to your boss is because there may be flexible work schedules available for you. 
    Ask for Assistance: Contact your local area agency on aging, a social worker, a physician, or place of worship.  The internet can also be a wonderful tool. Join a caregiver support group, meeting with other people who have similar experiences with balancing both children and aging is helpful.
    Take Time to Care for Yourself: You must care for yourself if you want to continue to care for your loved one. You must take time every day to for yourself, take time to be in your marriage and take time to listen to your body. If your body is telling you to slow down, or that something is not right, seek medical advice.  Also, take time off by utilizing home care agencies that provide respite care for a much needed break.
    Every caregiver and care giving situation is unique but there are always common factors that bridge these situations and caregivers together. It is easy to become lost in the care giving that you are providing, but remember that support can come from many different sources and in many different ways.
    For those of you who are squeezed in the sandwich generation please know that you are not alone and that assistance is often only a telephone call or internet site away.