Are you part of the “sandwich generation”?
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The term “sandwich generation” refers to people who find themselves raising children and providing caregiving services to their elderly parents or other aging relatives. The burden of providing care for both young and old can have a tremendous impact on the care provider’s own health and their relationships with children, parents and spouses. The Pew Research Center reports that up to 1 in 8 Americans are current members of the sandwich generation, and that number will only grow as America’s elderly population is likely to double by the year 2030.
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Do you care for both children and elderly relatives? How do you handle the burden of caring for both the young and the aged? Do you have any advice for others who find themselves part of the sandwich generation?
9 comments Add your comment
steve
March 9th, 2009
1:36 pm
Ihave my 80 yr. old mom ,a daughter-in-law and 2 grandsons living with me,that makes us a hamburger.
Sandra
January 28th, 2009
1:55 pm
As a Nurse and Home Care Provider, I see this all the time. Caregivers for the elderly must educate themselves on the resources available to assist them, and know when to bring in someone trained to help them.
Sandwicher
January 28th, 2009
1:51 pm
Perfectly said, David. That is the role of parenting to teach these skills. I am starting to take care of my elderly Mom as well as contribute to raising my niece and nephew. My Mom taught me well, but sorta planned for her own retirement. She has a pension, but does not drive and is still in good health. She loves my taxi. I am the one on call if she needs something. I am trying to teach my niece and nephew to be good people, have character/integrity, get good grades, achieve a good education and pick a field where they are recession proof and can make a good living and be good parents themselves. At 11 and 13, so far, so good as they are great kids making good grades. Mom always taught me, as a women, have your own game so you can take care of yourself and not depend on a man. I have great man, though, on my team! Also, save for the future as we all slow down and money and health are always needed as we get older.
MannyT
January 28th, 2009
1:14 pm
Some kind of sandwich
You are a double decker–like a club or big mac…just infinitely more valuable.
Some kind of sandwich
January 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
I am a grandmother, raising a grandchild for the past 11 years and as of 6 months ago caring for my elderly mother…what kind of sandwich does that make me?
David
January 28th, 2009
11:34 am
The only thing I ask of my children in return for my dedicating my life to them while they were growing and maturing is to make good personal and financial decisions now, so they won’t be a burden on me when as I grow old and they won’t be a burden to their children as they grow old.
barbara mcvicker
January 28th, 2009
10:53 am
I am a national speaker, HR consultant, and author of “Stuck in the Middle…shared stories and tips for caregiving your elderly parents”. As I am speaking across the country, I find that adult children caregivers want 2 things—true life stories of other families and essential information. We need to be prepared for our parents aging and not work out of crisis. Let’s have those difficult conversations NOW!
AtlantaNative
January 28th, 2009
9:57 am
That is how things have been for thousands of years.
the most delicious
January 28th, 2009
9:49 am
we are certainly the most delicious generation! oh so tastey. a delicious sandwich.