Middle Aged-Adults Are Sandwiched In Between Aging Parents And Kids
Demands on the Sandwichers are Increasing as They Seek Support with Senior Care Issues
America is faced with an aging population and a generation of adults who may need to take care of their parents, while caring for the children and young adults in their household.
"Parents are living longer than ever and through the advances of modern medicine more complex health issues are being managed by the medical community," said Bob Tucker, a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of Northbrook-based Senior Helpers serving the North and Northwest suburbs to the Wisconsin border. "The sandwichers are becoming primary caregivers, as will as consumers of what their parents need."
According to AARP, 85-90% of seniors want to remain living in their home even as their needs for assistance with activities of daily living increase. In addition, a large number of seniors reside in the home of a loved one.
The size of the sandwich generation is growing. Women are especially affected by having to care for elderly parents and their own children. Many have had to adjust their careers by missing days of work, shortening their hours or leaving their jobs.
"The financial burdens associated with caring for multiple generations of family members are mounting. Among all adults, 75% say they have a responsibility to provide financial assistance to an elderly parent who is in need," said Abbie Tucker, senior advocate and client services director, certified senior advisor (CSA) and a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP).
"Like their parents, they need to understand where to turn for help, how to think about costs associated with living and lifestyle choices and how to be an educated consumer. It is obvious, the sandwichers are in need of plenty of emotional support during this stressful time."
In addition, according to a nationwide Pew Research Center survey, roughly half (48%) of adults ages 40 to 59 have provided some financial support to at least one grown child in the past year, with 27% providing the primary support.
"We understand how difficult things can get," added Bob Tucker. "Many sandwichers can't afford to take on the complete financial responsibility for their parents. This is why we can fill you in on how to pay for these services, what Medicare will pay for and coordinating with long-term insurance carriers. We have created a series of support services to help our client families manage these difficult times including one-on-one discussions and recommendations."
"Of course," added Abbie Tucker, "we can provide caring, professional in-home caregivers for one hour each week to around the clock care... but we offer so much more including respite care, memory screenings and a lending library with materials and equipment."
This Senior Helpers office is the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Cares Affiliate office for all of Chicagoland and has established an Alzheimer's/Dementia/Parkinson's Care Resource Center for the community.
For more information or to arrange a free introductory meeting, please contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers : 847-564-7500 or email him at rtucker@seniorhelpers.com.