How to Navigate Senior Living Options in the “Sandwich Generation”

If you’re taking care of your children and aging loved ones at the same time, you may be feeling stretched thin. It may seem like you never have time for yourself, and you may even worry that you can’t provide the best care for the ones you love. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—you’re part of the sandwich generation.

What is the Sandwich Generation?

The sandwich generation is defined as anyone who is “sandwiched” between supporting a child and helping a parent over 65. Over half of middle-aged adults in the U.S. fit this category, though it applies to people of many age groups. Whether you’re raising kids or financially supporting young adult children, balancing these responsibilities with elder care can be emotionally and financially taxing.

That’s why it’s so important to address your caregiving concerns and explore your senior care services and solutions early. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the realities of caring for aging parents, and how sandwiched American families can choose an option that improves the quality of life for everyone involved.

Understanding the Realities of Caregiving

It’s hard to think about our parents needing extra help, but the more care planning you can do now, the easier the transition will be for everyone involved.

Identifying the Needs of Aging Parents

As our family members reach retirement age, it’s natural for us to become more involved in their lives. At first, that may just mean being present in their lives more often. It may even mean helping out with grocery shopping or taking them to doctor appointments. 

But for many older adults, long-term care is likely to be a necessity. As the large baby boomer generation reaches 65, today’s older adults have a 70% chance of needing long-term care. This may include considerations like:

• Home safety: reducing fall risks, making home modifications, and assisting older adults with mobility issues
• Household management: helping out with housekeeping, laundry, grocery shopping, and even keeping up with bills as physical and cognitive abilities change
• Health management: managing and monitoring medications, coordinating with healthcare professionals, monitoring chronic health conditions, and more
• Nutrition & personal care: meal preparation, bathing, grooming, dressing, continence care, and more

Trying to handle all of these responsibilities on your own can be taxing, especially if you’re already juggling your career, your kids’ schooling, and your own household maintenance. If you’re not sure whether your loved one needs help in these areas, check out these signs it’s time to consider senior care. 

Being Realistic About Your Own Abilities & Mental Health Needs

Being a caregiver can be rewarding—it gives many people a deep sense of connection to their family members. But it also means being responsible for the financial and emotional needs of three generations: your kids, yourself, and your parents. Many people feel caught in the middle in these situations, and that stress takes a real toll.

Because there are so many emotions tied up in taking care of an aging parent, burnout can happen fast. It isn’t just about the physical and financial burdens of care, but the mental health component, too. And over time, the stress you feel providing this type of care can affect your ability to do it well. 

Signs of caregiver burnout include:

• Constant fatigue and sleep disturbances: You may be chronically tired, find it challenging to sleep restfully, or feel physically drained, even after rest.
• Increased irritability and mood swings: You may feel more frustration, anger, and emotional instability.
• Neglecting personal needs: You may unintentionally put your own needs on hold, such as skipping meals, neglecting exercise, or avoiding medical appointments.
• Withdrawal from social activities: You might start avoiding social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Decreased interest in caregiving tasks: Loss of enthusiasm and a lack of motivation to carry out your caregiving duties can be a sign of burnout.

If you take care of an aging family member, it is essential to recognize these signs and take proactive steps to address your well-being. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional services can both help you and ensure the best care for your aging parents.

Exploring Senior Living Options

Having the conversation about assisted living or memory care (specialized care for adults living with dementia) can be tough. But in many situations, it can be the best option for the whole family. When the stress of caregiving is removed from your shoulders, you can focus on your relationship with your parent, your own mental health, and your children’s wellbeing.

There are many benefits to assisted living that family caregivers often don’t realize, including:

• Access to specialized medical care, chronic condition monitoring, mental health services, and more
• Easy access to amenities that support health and well-being at any age
• Social interaction & companionship
• Advanced safety and security features 
• Engagement in activities, hobbies, and more

Find Professional Help & Resources from a Senior Care Advisor

Facing the realities of caregiving can be tough, but you’re not alone. A CarePatrol senior care advisor is a wealth of information and resources, there to help you navigate the transition to senior living. At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors are local experts who are highly involved in their communities and help families make the right care decisions at no cost to them.

When you contact your local CarePatrol, your senior care advisor will take the time to assess your loved one’s needs and preferences, as well as your family’s budgetary concerns. Then, they’ll curate a list of recommendations, help you tour communities, set up move-in day support, and so much more. Whether you’re actively searching or just now beginning to consider senior living, CarePatrol is here to help you live your best life!

CarePatrol: Your Local Senior Care Experts

CarePatrol’s senior care advisors have personally vetted thousands of senior living communities in their local areas. At no charge to you, your senior care advisor will connect you with personalized resources and recommendations. Find your local CarePatrol or contact us with questions to get started on your journey today!