The Sandwich Generation
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Are you currently busy raising children; all the while, caring for the needs of an aging parent? If so, you are not alone!
CBS News reported in May of 2006 that, “An estimated 16 million Americans – more people than live in all of New England – find themselves “sandwiched” between two generations, struggling to raise their kids while caring for an aging loved one.
They further explained that “the number is about to explode: In 25 years, there will be 60 million Americans between the ages of 66 and 84, many of them needing full- or part-time care.”
Dr. Janet Taylor, M.D. reports that, “the sandwich generation keeps getting bigger as a result of women bearing children later in life, more women working, and parents living longer due to improved healthcare technology.”
Many organizations have sprung up to offer support to this growing group of Americans. One such organization is the Family Caregiver Alliance. It provides caregivers with state-by-state help navigating the long-term care system (government, nonprofit, and private programs).
Other helpful websites and online articles include:
Strength for Caring: This is a site for caregivers in general but provides some great coping suggestions for those in the Sandwich Generation.
CNN Money: This article provides hints and suggestions for handling the financial challenges that come when you are handling the finances of your parent(s) while supporting your children.
The Sandwich Generation: This site is dedicated to providing information and training to people who find themselves in this life stage.
Note: A simple Google search for “the sandwich generation” turned up 411,000 entries. There is support and information to help guide through this.
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[...] or running errands, or…you know the time it takes out of the day. If you’re of the sandwich generation and are managing kids schedules too, you either have the constitution of Martha Stewart, or [...]