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The Sandwich Generation…that generation caught squarely in the middle of caring for their own elderly parents while at the same time raising their own children.

Not only are people living longer, but more people are living longer and most of them are living healthier lives than at almost any time in the past.  This means that many elderly parents are choosing to remain in their own homes when they need care, rather than turning their lives over to strangers in assisted living facilities.

In many cases these elders are now being cared for by their own children – who themselves have families to care for. This can put a great deal of strain on the caregivers, who are sandwiched between two generations and finding it difficult to provide all of the care and attention that either needs.

According to the Pew Research Center, today approximately 1 in 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising one or more children of their own while helping to care for their own parents at the same time.  The term Sandwich Generation was added to the dictionary in 2006 and today the month of July is officially recognized as Sandwich Generation Month.

Who Pays For Parent Care?

Medicare, social security and pensions pay for most of the care that the Sandwich Generation provides for their aging parents, but these programs can’t and don’t cover everything.  Yard care, house maintenance, emergency expenses…these things are generally paid for by the Sandwich Generation – while at the same time they are trying to pay for their own families.

This can put quite a financial strain on the caregivers and even affect their ability to pay for their own future well-being.  Many of the Sandwich Generation are among the 40% of Americans over age 40 who have little or nothing set aside for retirement.

And now, with the recent erosion in housing values, the Sandwich Generation cannot even rely on the equity in either their own home or their parents' home to provide current assistance or possibly even future help in their retirement years.

There Are Resources Available to Help

Before you start looking for resources to help you care for your aging parents you need to lay a little groundwork.  Start by asking your parents what types of help they need, how they want to be treated in their later years, and how you can best help them. Get a feel for what they want and what they expect.

Next, get a Durable Power of Attorney (this may be called something different in your state).  This is a signed document that gives you the right to handle your parents' business affairs should it become necessary.

Get a Medical Power of Attorney (this may also be called something different in your state).  Again, this is a signed document that gives you the right to make medical decisions for your parents should they be unable to make those decisions for themselves.

Have your parents fill out a Living Will.  This is a document that outlines how your parents want their medical treatment handled in the event that they need extraordinary life support to maintain their lives. In short, do they wish for you to “pull the plug” should the worst happen?

Look For Help On The Internet

There are several different forums on the internet where you can talk with others in your same situation. Additionally there are many resources available to you, both from the government as well as private enterprise which can make your life easier and less stressful.  Find those that apply to your situation and avail yourself of them.

In short, you are not alone.  According to the Pew Research Organization there are approximately 10 million Americans in the exact same situation you’re in at this very moment.

Help is out there.  Start looking today.

TSC Sources & Recommended Resources:

• Resources for the Sandwich Generation
• The Sandwich Generation Dot Com

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