What is the “Sandwich Generation?”

According to Carol Abaya, author of the weekly syndicated column, “The Sandwich Generation,” the sandwich generation may be defined as those people caught between the demands of raising children and caring for aging parents or other relatives. And this is a group that is rapidly increasing–currently about 25% of American families are involved in some way with elder/parent care. In addition, Abaya has coined two other subcategories within the sandwich generation including:

Open Faced: anyone else involved in elder care.

What are they dealing with?
A recent study from Canada’s The Daily entitled “The Sandwich Generation” revealed that 8 in 10 of these “sandwiched” individuals work full-time, and that these added caretaking responsibilities are causing some to reduce or shift their hours or to lose income. From a percentage standpoint, the study reported that 15% of sandwiched workers have to reduce their hours, 20% have to change their schedules and 10% lose income. Also, 4 in 10 of sandwiched workers incur extra expenses such as renting medical equipment or purchasing cell phones.

How to prepare

When preparing to care for an aging relative, it’s important that you talk with your loved one to find out exactly what their needs are. If your loved one is resistant to sharing information, it may be a combination of pride, a fear of burdening their children and worry about losing control of their lives. This is a perfectly normal reaction that the majority of senior citizens are forced to come to terms with at some point in their lives. The reality is, as their child or relative you need to plan so that not only can you effectively take care of their needs, but that you also find a way to balance their care with your other responsibilities. The following are just a few of the issues you will need to discuss:

• Long-term care insurance: Do they have it? If not, should they purchase it?
• Living arrangements: Can they still live alone, or is it time to explore other assisted-living options?
• Medical care decisions: What are their wishes, and who will carry them out?
• Financial planning: How can you protect their assets?
• Estate planning: Do they have all of the necessary documents (e.g., wills, trusts)?
• Expectations: What do you expect from your parents, and what do they expect from you?

You are not alone

As mentioned above, there is a substantial percentage of the population that will either be dealing with the situation of caring for aging parents or loved ones, or is already involved with it. If you are feeling frustrated or ill-informed, seek the support of elder-care service groups where your parent or relative lives and talk to one of the case managers to get advice and ideas. There are national support groups that can provide information and support as well.

The main point to remember is that caring for an elderly loved one will be challenging, and you can expect that it will put a strain on your everyday life. While you’re helping your parents and relatives, try to get the help and support from your whole family, as well as from professionals who specialize in elder care. Together, you can give your loved ones the care and treatment they deserve.