Are you part of the “Sandwich Generation”? No, we’re not talking about a generation of people that like to eat sandwiches, it’s a newer growing group of individuals that are facing sometimes insurmountable challenges. This group is tasked with not only raising their own children but also providing care for their elderly parents at the same time.
According to Pew Center for Research in January 2013, nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (age 18 or older). And about one-in-seven middle-aged adults (15%) is providing financial support to both an aging parent and a child.
Members of the sandwich generation are oftentimes pulled (or yanked) in many different directions. The result is a mental, emotional, and financial toll that can be extremely difficult to deal with. Oftentimes, these individuals are working full-time trying to juggle the roles of several people combined. With all the added responsibilities of caring for an elderly parent can come burn-out, exhaustion, insomnia, and many other stress-related illnesses.
Here are some helpful tips to help reduce manage the added responsibilities:
- Carve out a block of time each week to participate in a hobby or interest that is relaxing and can help you rejuvenate
- Plan meal and schedules ahead of time to help alleviate stress
- Talk to siblings or other family members that might be able to help go shopping, run errands, or provide companionship to your parents
- Find a home care company that can help provide short-term “respite” care to give you a little break each week.
Enriched Life Home Care Services is available to help provide short-term/long-term and part-time/full-time care for your aging parent. We understand the importance of having someone there when you cannot be and hope you will contact us should you need assistance in the future.
Enriched Life Home Care Services | www.ELHCS.com
