If we heard about sandwiches, a lot of people referred to a slice of bread with vegetables and smoke beef for breakfast. Well, this time is a bit different. If there's a pioneer generation, there is also the sandwich generation. Just like a sandwich, individuals who fall under this category find themselves caught between the obligation of taking care of their children and their aging parents. This is referred to as the sandwich generation.
The sandwich generation demographic is made up of middle-aged adults from 40 to 60 years old. The increasing aging population to having children at an older age, these different factors have heavily contributed to the sandwich generation phenomenon. It may seem like a simple problem on the surface, but this could have grave effects on society at large if not dealt with properly and immediately. It could lead to a stressful job taking care of both of them. However, here are some tips to manage sandwich generation stress.
Prepare for financial challenges. Duel caregiving can be absolutely expensive. Stressing out about finances is common when caring for an aging parent, but you can feel more confident by being as proactive as possible. For example, involve your loved one's financial adviser in conversations about budgets goal. You can also speak candidly with your parent's physician as you attempt to understand what possible challenges could happen in the near and distant future. This information allows you and your family members to develop a timeline that can assist with financial planning.
Get extra help when you need it. Although you are certainly capable of doing all the things for all your loved ones all the time, you should not have to push yourself to the limit. If you feel you need a little break or are starting to burn out, you can call in some extra help. Either care services or friends that you trust, it will provide you with the time and space you need to rest and relax for a while.
Take breaks mentally and physically. Mental breaks help caregivers build resilience. Highly suggests doing activities such as meditation and yoga, which actively calm the mind mostly. Even you can have a shower for a moment or walk out at the park and release all the stress from your shoulder and head.
Being a successful sandwich-generation caregiver is only one thing, be kind to yourself. Self-care is essential, yet can be easily neglected when your time is balanced ever so cautiously between navigating all of your family member's needs. Never hesitate to ask for help when it's necessary. Thank you for your time as always and give the best regards to your family and children. Have a nice day 😀.
References:
- 4 Tips to Manage Sandwich Generation Stress: Squeezed Between Parents and Kids (2022). Available at: https://www.humangood.org/resources/senior-living-blog/sandwich-generation-squeezed-between-parents-and-kids.
- Sandwich Generation 101: Who They Are & How To Be The Last (2022). Available at: https://www.homage.sg/resources/sandwich-generation/.
- What Is the Sandwich Generation? Stress, Burdens, and More (2022). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/the-sandwich-generation-needs-help#What-sandwich-generation-caregivers-can-do.
- The Sandwich Generation | What is the Sandwich Generation? (2022). Available at: https://www.seniorliving.org/caregiving/sandwich-generation/.
- Five Tips for Succeeding in the Sandwich Generation (2022). Available at: https://www.rightathome.net/blog/sandwich-generation.
Very informative! Thanks for sharing!
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