What is the Sandwich Generation?

If you have recently started caring for your elderly parent, a term that you might have heard used frequently is “sandwich generation”. Understanding what this term means can help you to feel less alone in this journey and prepare you for the challenges that lay ahead, enabling you to take the steps that will make you the best caregiver possible for your parent, as well as the best parent for your children.

The term “sandwich generation” is used to refer to middle-aged people who are currently “sandwiched” between caring for their elderly parent and raising their own children. A growing demographic, members of the sandwich generation experience a wide array of challenges and demands that can be difficult to juggle, but extremely rewarding.

Some of the things that you know about the sandwich generation include:

Research shows that approximately 47 percent of adults between the age of 40 and 60 are currently in the sandwich generation.

Approximately 15 percent of adults who are in the sandwich generation are providing at least some degree of financial support for both their children and their parent.

The average caregiver spends 20 hours or more a week on care tasks for their care recipient outside of the care that they give to their children.

Being a family caregiver can be challenging, but it is made more so when you are also making sure that your children are getting the care that they need. If you are in this care demographic, seeking out a support group can be an extremely effective way to help you deal with the stress that can come out of trying to balance all of these obligations and responsibilities. You may also benefit from seeking out others who can help you to handle these demands effectively, efficiently, and in the way that is right for you, your parent, and your children.

As a member of the sandwich generation, if you feel that your care tasks are more than you can successfully accomplish, or that your parent would benefit from additional support and assistance, starting home care for them might be the ideal solution. A care provider can step in to fulfill tasks in areas that are too strenuous for you, that cause emotional stress or strain for you or your aging loved one, or that are challenging for you due to scheduling issues or the tasks that you need to complete for your children. This means that you can feel absolutely confident that your aging parent’s needs, challenges, and limitations are addressed in the way that is right for them and that they are able to pursue a lifestyle that is active, engaged, fulfilling, and independent, while also giving you more time to focus on the other care tasks, obligations, and responsibilities in your life. By knowing that your parent has this type of highly personalized care available to them, you can experience less caregiver stress and you can apply the energy and effort that you can in the way that is most effective and beneficial for your elderly loved one.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home caregiver services in Plainview, NY, please contact the caring staff at Family First Home Companions. Serving all of Long Island. Call today: (631) 319-3961

Jennifer Benjamin has a Masters degree in Business Administration, a graduate Certificate in Geriatric Care Management, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is co-founder of Family First Home Companions .With a background in human resources and business management she helped to build a company that is founded on professionalism, integrity, compassion and know-how.

Jennifer has specialized training in Alzheimer’s disease through the Long Island Alzheimer’s Association and the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation.She also volunteered her time with the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Center of Long Island for 3 years by providing cognitive stimulation to an Alzheimer’s patient group.

Jennifer educates the community about elder care and speaks to caregiver support groups, senior centers, and at professional organizations.Topics include home safety, effective strategies for family caregiving, elder care planning, and awareness about elder abuse.

Many Senior In-Home Care services and products are not covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or public assistance. Most individuals and families often need to pay "out-of-pocket" for some or all services requested. Are there other sources of financing available to you, such as Social Security benefits, VA benefits, or Private Funds?*