Survival Tips for the “Sandwich Generation”

Just how many of us are experiencing this situation within the nation’s workforce? Research shows that nearly 25% of U.S. households are now involved in caring for a senior family member, spending an average of 20 hours a week in caregiving services. Nearly 65% of those individuals providing the caregiving are also employed outside of the home. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 15 million days of work per year are lost due to these circumstances. Women tend to be the primary caregivers for their parents, continuing to work full time in order to support their family, pay their children’s college tuition, or save for their own retirement. These situations are further compounded if Baby Boomers have relocated away from their senior family members to pursue job opportunities.

This kind of day-to-day situation seems impossible to navigate by yourself and still have a life.  Here are some survival tips to consider if you are currently part of this over-worked group:

Talk to your parents and/or family members before a crisis. This will help you and your family truly understand their wishes and avoid future conflicts.  Discuss with them the issues of  Medicare/Medicaid and long-term care insurance, and if they have other legal documents regarding medical treatment (i.e., Living Will, Durable Medical Power of Attorney, etc.).

Locate any community resources that may be available to you and your family.    A couple of good options in our area include the Community Care Coalition at (913) 649-2121 or the    Mid-American Regional Council – Department of Aging at (816) 474-4240 or  (816) 421-7758. 

Ask friends and family for help. Ask them what experiences they have had with some of the community services. Many familes have already gone through this and will want to help you.

Talk to your local clergy. Many local churches and synagogues have family assistance programs or have access via their denominations. If these services are not available, most clergy are familiar with what can be obtained by you or your family.

Because of the physically and emotionally exhausting reality of balancing your own day job and family life with the demands of caring for your parents, many families also turn to a respite care company to help with a variety of care needs. The biggest thing to remember is that you don’t have to do it alone. Caring for our aging parents may be one of the most challenging roles we undertake in our adult lives. But by exercising foresight, consideration and a little planning, Baby Boomers have the power to create a positive outcome.

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