The sandwich generation

The "Sandwich Generation" is a term that has been coined to describe the generation that is still raising children while having some or all caretaking responsibilities for aging parents. I find myself a member of this growing and very prevalent group. I am a full time career person nearing the final stretch of raising three children. I also have aging parents and parents in-law for which I am very thankful. So I am part of the Sandwich Generation. Are you? How does one handle a 40 hour-plus work week, carting kids back and forth to school and activities, household responsibilities and then caring for their senior family members? Throw in a marriage, a social life, and on occasion a second job or home? Is it any wonder we live in such a stressful time? In years past lifestyles were very different. Families had one person at home full time while the other worked. As family members aged, it was the at-home person's (usually a daughter or daughter in law) responsibility to care for their elderly family member. Senior care took place either in their own home or the home of the aging parent. When that option was no longer feasible, the senior progressed to a long term care facility. Times have changed! The era of a one income family is nearly extinct; our population is living longer, and seniors want to age in place and remain independent. Adult children are striving daily to care for their parents, raise their families, and continue to work. As always, the issue is complex and has many fiscal ramifications. The very positive reality though in 2011, is that there are many options for Senior Care. Options today run the gamut from Assisted Livings, Senior Housing, Independent Living, Adult Day Health, and Pace Programs such as Summit Elder. There are certified and private duty home health care services that can complement the above mentioned services or act as standalone. As needs progress there is Long Term Facility Care and Hospice Care Programs. There are also respite options for the full time caregiver to assist when there is need for a well-deserved break or vacation. What is right for you and your family? That question also offers options that require thoughtful discussion and research with your entire family, including your senior loved one. Who will be the primary support person for your loved one as they age? What are the type of services and frequency that you will need to accomplish these goals? Begin your research prior to that last crisis! Conduct research on the web, discuss with other Sandwich Generation members and call local agencies specializing in Elder Care. Some cases are so complex they may require the services of other professionals such as Geriatric Care Managers, Elder Law Attorneys, or Financial Planners. Quality professionals that specialize in Elder Care are more than happy to act as a resource to assist you to navigate this complex system and to offer further resources. If you are part of the Sandwich Generation start exploring options today! We spend hours and hours researching a new car purchase, college for our kids, and our vacation plans. Do the same for the senior loved one in your life and for yourself. Angela Rocheleau is CEO of Home Staff LLC, an award-winning private duty home health agency serving the Central, Western and Cape Cod Regions since 1977 and on the web at www.Homestaff.com or call 508-755-4600.