If you are a middle-aged adult that has a home to tend to and also takes care of an aging parent, you are considered to be a part of the sandwich generation. People in their 40s and 50s tend to make up this generation, and many of them have to take care of both kids and parents. Providing senior care can be a full-time job of its own depending on how much care your aging parent needs. We’ve taken a closer look at the characteristics of the sandwich generation, what common problems they face, and how to make it a positive experience.
Characteristics Of The Sandwich Generation
The ages of the sandwich generation can vary, including the age of the kids and the age of the parents. Most people are married with kids, and some of those kids may even be adults over the age of 18. And on top of the responsibilities they have to juggle with being a caregiver and a parent, they usually have a full-time job as well. Caring for an aging parent can be a life-changing event, but the challenges can be overcome when you know what to expect.
Problems The Sandwich Generation Face
What stresses most people out who are part of the sandwich generation is trying to please everyone who relies on them. Time management is critical even though it may seem like you need more than 24 hours in a day. What makes for a more fulfilling experience for the sandwich generation is living in the moment as much as possible. This means when you’re caring for your parent, give them all the attention they need and try not to think about the other things you need to be doing. The same goes for your job and giving attention to your kids. Managing your time will make these moments more fulfilling, and when your time is up and you have to move to your next task, you can do so more easily.
Money Management And Utilizing Resources Are Important
Another potential strain the sandwich generation could experience is money management. The good news is many seniors don’t require much financial assistance, so that’s one less thing for a caregiver to worry about. And many people from the sandwich generation find that this is the perfect time to give their adult children the responsibilities of finding a job and becoming more financially independent. And from a caregiving perspective, be sure to utilize the resources available to you and hire a caregiver on either a full-time or part-time basis if needed.
Next Day Access is here to help you provide the care your aging parent deserves. Living at home is important for seniors, but it could present some challenges for you if you are primarily responsible for caring for them. We offer a wide range of mobility products to help them navigate their home safely and give you some peace of mind at the same time. Don’t hesitate to contact us at any time to learn more about our products and how we can help.