The Sandwich Generation is a term coined in recent years to describe a growing segment of the population serving as caregivers to both aging baby-boomer parents and their own children. The numbers of those “sandwiched” in the middle have grown significantly with advances in medicine, healthier lifestyles, and the trend toward having children later in life.
This phenomenon results in increased pressure for family caregivers, spreading their time, efforts and emotions thin. “Statistics show that most people now need more leave time from work to care for aging parents than they do to care for their own kids,” shares Sarah Lane, owner of FirstLight HomeCare South Sound.
With today’s culture emphasizing the expectation that we can do it all, it’s challenging for modern parents to ask for help. Our kids participate in multiple activities, all needing coordination and carpool. Our parents are living longer, resulting in increased medical fragility and more frequent doctor’s visits. Aging family members want to retain independence, staying in their homes as long as possible.
With all these pressures and responsibilities, it’s no surprise that family caregivers are experiencing burn out more frequently now than ever before. “It’s your family, so you naturally want to help,” explains Lane. “But, caregiver burn out is real and there comes a point when you can’t do it all.”
Answers for those in The Sandwich Generation aren’t easy and aren’t one-size-fits-all. For each family, the needs are different. For some, a helping hand in their own home with light housekeeping, meals and errands would lift the burden, allowing them the freedom to attend to their kid’s and parent’s needs. For others, assistance with doctor visits, companionship, hygiene and household chores for their aging parents alleviates the daily pressure.
FirstLight HomeCare’s trained caregivers understand how families get pulled in many directions and are flexible enough to fill the gaps with customized care, uniquely tailored for each family. “If family caregivers aren’t good to themselves,” says Lane, “they aren’t good for their loved ones.”
It’s important to think outside the box, too, when understating what home care offers. While many people think only of caring for the elderly, home care encompasses much more. And when you are in the Sandwich Generation, things get a little complex. Here are some examples of ways those in the middle utilize FirstLight HomeCare’s services.
- Respite care for vacation – When you are the primary caregiver for a parent, sometimes you just need to get away. Temporary respite care is perfect for when you take the kids on vacation and need someone to keep things safe and healthy at home.
- Driving for treatment and doctor appointments – Many aging adults have regular medical appointments that can often be lengthy, such as chemotherapy or dialysis. Caregivers can drive to these appointments, stay with your loved one and offer companionship during treatment. They can get them settle at home in bed with a light meal or medications when treatment is finished.
- Companionship during extended hospital stays – Caregivers can sit with loved ones at the hospital, reading, playing cards, assisting with their needs while family members are at school and work.
- A second “mom” around the house – Have you ever wished you could clone yourself? Having a FirstLight caregiver in your life is the next best thing. Options are nearly endless including grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions or dry cleaning, light housekeeping and meal prep.
- Seasonal help – A family may experience needs seasonally. During hunting season, for example, when dad may be gone for a long stretch, mom might not be able to handle the needs of the kids and elderly family members alone. Care can be arranged for short-term needs such as this.
- “Me time” – When you are the primary caregiver for a family member and your own family, finding a few hours a week for a yoga class or for personal appointments can be a struggle. Caregivers can come for as little as an hour to cover the times when you just need to be away.
In addition to FirstLight HomeCare’s affordable rates, many employers are now including home care in their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits. More and more, employers are recognizing that employees need time off to care for loved ones outside standard sick leave. By building respite care coverage or days off into plans, employers are demonstrating their understanding of the unique needs of the Sandwich Generation.
Are you feeling the squeeze in your life? You don’t have to do it all. FirstLight HomeCare’s highly skilled, creative, and compassionate caregivers are ready to fill the gaps when you just can’t do it all.
FirstLight HomeCare can be reached at 360-489-1621 or via their website.
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