Caught in the “Sandwich Generation” Mode Caring for Both Parents and Children?

Caught in the “Sandwich Generation” Mode Caring for Both Parents and Children?

An article for women who are caring for both their aging parents and children - the new sandwich generation. Identifying how to get help and find resources.

Females are traditionally the caregivers for the family, and then also traditionally become the family leaders in responding to the caregiving needs for children and parents. Thus the wife and mother is oftentimes sandwiched between children and parents, and responsible for both. As the demographics shift and people live longer, the burden will become greater, not less.

How can busy women work smarter to achieve quality care for loved ones allowing time to concentrate on professional lives and quality time with families?

Knowing resources, acting early, and planning for the future are the keys to a more successful and rewarding time as a caregiver. Other factors that ensure a more balanced life as a caregiver are letting go somewhat of the responsibilities, and setting realistic limits as to use of personal time, and finally, using others whenever possible.

Continuum can offer help in several ways: We have experienced geriatric care planners on staff who can determine what is needed and then offer resources to fill the needs. The social workers, nurses and gerontologists who are care planners can also provide comprehensive geriatric assessments, sound professional advice, and help with long term care planning. Knowing the problem up front and planning for a solution will make all the difference in the world between a crisis situation or a calm and positive outcome.

For those families who want trained, supervised, insured and bonded caregivers coming to their homes to assist in care needs, we guarantee staffing and guarantee satisfaction. A free in-home assessment precedes any care staffing that we provide.

About Author

Holohan’s passion for caring started at a young age volunteering in retirement communities, discovering his love and finding fulfillment working around older adults. He went on to earn MBA and MSW degrees from Washington University, focused on gerontology. All his years working with the senior population taught him one thing: Seniors want to age in their own homes and enjoy their independence as long as possible. His in-home care business, Continuum (http://www.continuumcare.com) has grown from a home-based business with one employee to an office in Clayton with more than 150 employees, serving people of all ages across St. Louis and St. Charles counties.

Holohan serves on the Board of Directors for The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the ALS Association, Gerontology Advisory Committee for the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. In January 2007, he was awarded the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award.

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