You have an older parent that needs some help remaining in the family home. You’re trying to provide the care that parent needs while also raising your children and managing your own household. Congratulations. You’re part of the sandwich generation.

What is the Sandwich Generation?

Merriam-Webster defines the sandwich generation as “a generation of people who are caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children.” It’s a term that came around in the 1970s and is becoming increasingly popular. According to the Pew Research Center, 30 percent of adults between the ages of 40 and 59 are caring for a parent while also raising children.

Why Does it Matter so Much?

There’s a growing problem in the U.S. with adult children becoming stressed as they try to care for an elderly parent while also raising a family. Mental and physical health are both impacted. In some cases, if the family caregiver must quit a job or reduce work hours to balance the care of both a parent and child/children, there’s also the financial strain that adds to the stress.

What Can You Do if You’re in the Sandwich Generation?

First, you must take time for yourself. Let your spouse, significant other, friend, or family member watch your kids and your elderly parent while you have time to yourself. Go out with friends, go shopping, go for a walk in the park, or find a quiet spot and read a book. Make sure you’re spending time alone every day to help avoid caregiver burnout.

Second, don’t be afraid to admit you can’t do it all. Raising children is hard enough. If you’re also balancing your time caring for a parent, you’re going to feel the strain. Don’t try to do it all by yourself. Talk to caregiver support groups and come up with ways to get the help you need. You may need to hire a home care professional to help your parent out around the home. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, caregivers add companionship to  your parent’s life and that is beneficial to your mom or dad’s health.

Home care professionals help with many aspects of daily care. Caregivers can help shop for ingredients and prepare meals. They can help with light housework and laundry. They can even drive your mom or dad to appointments. Call a home care agency now to discuss all the available services.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Seneca, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Sources:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandwich%20generation

http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/01/30/the-sandwich-generation/

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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