Do you have older parents in need of help at home? At the same time, are you trying to accommodate meeting the care needs of children and family at home? If that’s the case, you have the distinction of being part of the sandwich generation – a demographic of people, frequently in their 30s or 40s, who have become responsible for raising their own children while, at the same time, providing care for their aging parents. The to-do lists of the sandwich generation are crammed. Countless family caregivers not only are employed full-time, but they are also shuttling their children to and from activities and keeping up with a household in addition to their mounting caregiving responsibilities. There are strategies to support caregivers though, and the first step is getting educated on how to make the scenario more manageable.
At the risk of adding more to your already overflowing plate, consider adding these items to your to-do list:
- Have a family meeting. Talk through the numerous different caregiving tasks that need to be carried out each day or week. Establish mutual expectations of how each of the many tasks of will be conducted.
- Get the facts to avoid surprises. Caregivers should speak to their parents about how they’re managing financially, what their desires are for long-term care, and what plans they have made if they become sick or incapacitated.
- Ask for help. This is frequently the most challenging thing for a family caregiver to do, but it is without question the most essential. You can’t do everything alone, and that’s okay! Reach out to resources including your local Area Agency on Aging, a hospital social worker, a medical professional, or a religious organization. Also, contact a local senior care agency, such as Compassionate Care Home Health Services of Northeast Michigan to give yourself a break while making certain your loved one is well cared for.
Most importantly, keep in mind that you don’t have to carry the burden alone. In-home care services from Compassionate Care Home Health Services can offer the opportunity you need to relax and recuperate, reducing the chance of experiencing sandwich generation caregiver burnout. Whether the need is for just a few hours each week, around-the-clock, live-in care, or something in between, our trained and experienced care staff can provide help with a wide range of home care needs including personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, errand-running, transportation, or simply companionship to participate in enjoyable conversations and community engagement.
Contact us today at 877-308-1212 to learn more about senior care in Traverse City and the surrounding communities.