Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Taking care of your kids is already challenging, but when mom and dad come in the picture, welcome to your sandwich era! More than 11 million Americans are taking care of their kids and aging parents.
Food, health, money, jobs, and bills. Add in taking care of kids and parents, now you’re stuck in the middle, sandwich era.
The sandwich generation, adults, often in their 40s and 50s, who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children.
“Squeezing us into being overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities,” said Colette J. Fehr, Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
How can you manage it?
“Lay the groundwork for good boundaries. Because even though you want to be there for your parents, you can’t be completely responsible for everyone,” explained Fehr.
Honestly assess the needs of both your parents and your children. What are the non-negotiables and where can you delegate?
“One of the biggest problems is that someone in the family is often the martyr, they don’t even think to say to somebody else, ‘Hey, could you pitch in and take mom to the hospital next week?’” said Fehr.
Organization is key. First create a master calendar that everyone has access to. The app Cozi family organizer is a good place to start. Be sure to include meal planning. That way you can delegate to friends and family. Don’t be afraid to outsource, if you can hire cleaning, cooking, extra child and senior care. And to keep track of medications and doctors’ visits, MedCoach can keep you up to date. Also, plan your finances! Caregivers typically spend ten thousand dollars a year on expenses. The app HomeBudget gives everyone the independence to spend but allows the caregiver to track the money coming in and money going out.
And remember to take a break. An AARP study found that 50 percent of caregivers in the U.S. experience increased emotional stress. Fehr also says to let the things go that can go and really ask ‘Is this absolutely essential that I do this?’ and if not, scratch it off the list or move it to the next month.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/millennials-enter-sandwich-stage-6203676/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sandwichgeneration.asp
https://www.quicken.com/lp/ppc/budget-app/ https://www.caregiveraction.org/sandwich-generation/
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.tarly.hhsqz&hl=en_US
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/10/29/sandwich-generation-financial-stress-burnout/
