How are You Dealing with Being the Sandwich Generation?
February 29, 2008 | 1 Comment
My mom, bless her heart, turns 80 next year. I worry about her. My sister lives with her while my mom cares for my nephews, which she’s done for the past 20 years or so. I think it’s time for her to hang up her apron-strings and relax already.
I imagined my retirement would be a care-free time, chockfull of opportunities to do the exciting things you put off while raising a family. You know, like travel and perfecting my cooking. Well, turns out that might a fantasy. Baby boomers (and older adults) are squished by on both sides- caring for children and aging parents. Seems like care-giving never ends and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s just bewildering.
Did you know over 50% of people in their 60-70s provide financial support to their children? Me, neither. Or, that a quarter of folks over 70 lend a hand with household chores like cooking, cleaning and shopping to a relative or friends, according to studies? Those figures might not be any different than earlier generations, but it feels different now because families are so geographically far-flung and the stressed.
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation, my friends. There are over 16 million people who describe themselves as caregivers for both their children and elderly parents. Think you might be one? Here’s a humorous Top 10 list from CareStation, a site designed to help families cope with aging:
“Top Ten” list to identify those “hams” out there balancing the breads and with more on your plate than you need, read this – and enjoy:
10. You envy people who lead simpler, less stressful lives, like air-traffic controllers.
9. Your old 9-to-5 grind is now the “good ol’ days.”
8. You wonder how much it would cost to have your dining room set laminated.
7. You’re convinced that both Spongebob and Matlock are out to get you.
6. You’ll never forget your last vacation, “Summer ‘05: Daiquiris at the Mall.
5. You save the nice sippy cups for company.
4. You’d kick your oldest son out, but he’s the only one who can work the TV.
3. You apply for a patent for Adjust-a-Loo, the world’s first multigenerational toilet.
2. Your Dad reminds you he doesn’t need high SATs to get into a good nursing home.
1. Mom ran out of Depends? One word: Huggies.
Number 4 resonates with me (except my Handsome has a few more years before he’s out of the house!)
Since I can’t convince my mom to move in with me- no matter how many times I’ve begged her over the years- I’m starting to line up resources to help us both cope with what’s ahead. Boomer Chronicles had a terrific article that lists all sorts of emerging businesses devoted to elder care. Even remotely, I can be a caregiver and make a difference in her daily life.
I was also thrilled to learn about entrepreneurs like Katherine Freund who are developing services that allow elders to be active, social and independent. Freund runs the national Independent Transportation Network, which is like a ‘ride bank’ for non-driving seniors. You can pay to have someone drive your loved one or volunteer and bank the hours for your own family. Like my plan for TMT, Katherine took a passion of her own and turned it into a elder care business that helps others. That’s creative problem-solving.
What are you doing to take care of your loved ones without ending up like a smushed PBJ sandwich?
Happy Loving Day!
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