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As we well know, the Sandwich Generation is growing. Not only that! According to the Christian Broadcasting Network's interesting news video/article for boomers and seniors, Are You Caught in the 'Sandwich Generation," the Baby Boomer Generation is right in the heart of it all – something we had thought as well.
The video also includes an interview with Carol Abaya, one of the pioneer writers for the Sandwich Generation and its issues. She originally coined the phrase, Club Sandwich, which she describes in this video as, "more on a person's plate. The adult children are caring not only for their aging parents, but also their grandparents, as well as their own kids." Or in my case, the generations go down instead of up – elderly parents and grandkids!
I thought the advice to have all the legal paperwork completed was excellent. That will make everyone's life so much easier! I don't necessarily agree with the suggestion to never have the older parents move in with you, obviously, as that is exactly what I did. 🙂 I understand it can be challenging, but it can also be a blessing. And in this economy, it is definitely a money saver!
If your elderly parents do move in with you, or vice versa, you certainly need to make sure everyone has their "own space." That's been a big help to me. Due to family needs in the last 10 years, my senior mom and I have lived in five different homes – from 2400 square feet houses down to 1100 square feet apartments. We've done ok in all the places, but the bigger houses were much easier for our Sandwich Generation issues – especially when the grandkids came over. In fact, when we were in the apartment, we set a limit of one grandkid per overnighter. I just went to their house if I needed to watch more grandkids. I also work hard to make sure great-grandma gets plenty of visit time as well, but for shorter time periods, which works better for her needs.
What about you? How are you dealing with the Sandwich Generation issues? Are you all in one house, long distance, or a combination, like me? How did you like the video? We'd love to hear from you! 🙂
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Hi Kaye. Recovering from a dinner I had here last night for my mother-in-law’s 84th bd. 🙂 Both our moms live in the same condo building, about 5 miles away, having lost our dads on the same date just three years apart. This month it has been 5 for my father-in-law and just 2 since my dad passed. My mom can’t drive anymore (macular degeneration) so on the days I’m not caring for 2 of my grandchildren, I’m usually taking her to her appts or shopping and other errands. My m-i-l does pretty well at getting herself around, though she had a health crisis on Christmas Eve and we spent the night in the ER and the following week (my husband’s scheduled vacation) she was in intensive care. When the rest of our family comes in from out of state, everyone of course wants to be together, which means at my house. In my 60’s now, my biggest issue is finding the energy to keep up, and the time to take care of myself, see my own friends, and do some of the things I’d like to do. I don’t even have time to make my own dr. appts.! We technically don’t have grandkids or parents living with us, and I’m thankful that at least so far there aren’t major health issues, but life is sure different and hasn’t slowed down a bit. And #5 grandbaby is on the way…
But I’ve gone from thinking “I don’t have a life” to realizing “this IS my life” and I try to live every day intentionally and enjoy what time I have with those I love. I really am very blessed! Thanks for sharing so many resources! I love stopping by here…
Hi Jacquelyn, You are DEFINITELY in the throes of the Sandwich Generation and I so love your great attitude. As my dear MIL and mom have both said – “Getting old ain’t for sissies!” 🙂 What a blessing to have both yours in the same condo. I bet that helps! My MIL lives long distance and I pray for her so much. She does really great and has wonderful neighbors! That is such a blessing, as well! I could definitely relate to your Christmas Eve issue. We’ve had that happen twice during Christmas, which ended in mega changes to travel plans!
CONGRATULATIONS on #5 – I have a new one on the way as well. Isn’t it fun! 🙂 I think that is what gives me extra energy. Even if, on some days, like when i have the flu, I don’t always see it. 🙂
By the by, I LOVE your adorable vintage St Patricks Day pictures. Very cute! 🙂 Speaking of which, Happy St Patricks Day! 🙂