Sandwiched!
- Brandy Stephens
- Sep 30, 2013
- 2 min read
Do you sometimes feel so trapped in the middle between your children, work, home, activities, and aging parents? You are not alone!
Deinition: SANDWICH GENERATION: Those sandwiched between aging parents who need care and/or help, and their own children.
The Profile:
Represent 22.9 million households (21% of US)
1 of every 8 baby boomers are raising a child AND providing some form of support to a parent
59% of caregivers work either full time or part time
Typically spends more than 20 hours a week providing care
Care Recipient Profile:
80% are 50 years or older; average age is 66 years old, typically female widowers
75% of care recipients do not live with a caregiver, 55% live in their own home
Caregiver Needs:
Finding time for oneself
Managing emotional/physical stress
Balancing work and family responsibilities
Helping to keep te person they care for safe.
Remember, you can't help anyone if you don't take care of you first!
Keep the "law of 7's in mind
7 hours of sleep each night
7 glasses of water
7 miles of exercise a week
Eat right! When we are stressed or rushed, we either skip meals or eat unhealthy food on the road. Don't do that!
Publix, Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joes etc. have healthy foods that are pre-packaged for meals on the go like apple slices, pre-made salads, and sandwiches
Eat protein for breakfast! It will sustain you longer through the day.
Keep up your own health and wellness plan
Regular doctor and dental appointments
If you're sick, take time off and get well
Continue those things that are important to you being you
THIS IS YOUR LIFE!!! Don't forget that!
Keep running or playing tennis or reading or going to concerts
Keep your dates with your spouse and friends
ASK FOR HELP
You can't do it alone. No one expects you to but you. Let go!
Delegate
Appreciate the help that is offered and accept it
Remember, sometimes people don't know what to offer, so they say, "is there anything I can do for you?" It is a sincere question. The answer is "YES!" Let them help you
Hire respite help. Professional companies help for a reason-we love it! And we are good at it! If you need a night off, or a week off, or an hour off, just call. There's help!
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