Are you a member of the “sandwich generation?” According to a University of Michigan study, about 2.5 million Americans are sandwich generation caregivers—people in their 40s-50s caring for both an aging parent aged 65+ and a child under 18.
The study also found that sandwich generation caregivers put in roughly 20 hours a week toward caring for their older loved ones while juggling competing responsibilities, such as work, caring for their children, and maintaining a household.
There are plenty of options for caregivers who need extra support taking care of their older loved one, and home care is one of the most common solutions. Here are six ways home care can support a sandwich generation caregiver:
1. Relieving “The Balancing Act”
Managing the needs of both your older loved ones and your children is like trying to balance on a tightrope without a safety net. You may often find yourself torn between work commitments, parenting duties and the health concerns of aging parents.
Feeling all this can be stressful and can eventually lead to burnout. Home care is vital support, offering a helping hand in daily caregiving tasks and taking a lot of pressure off you.
2. Personalizing Your Loved One’s Care
Home care services are designed to meet the unique needs of each person. For seniors, this may involve assistance with daily activities, medication management or companionship. The tailored nature of home care allows you as a caregiver to address specific challenges your aging loved ones face while maintaining focus on your children and careers.
3. Effective Time Management
One of the most significant challenges for the sandwich generation caregiver is time management. Home care professionals can step in to provide respite care, allowing you as a caregiver to attend to other responsibilities or even take much-needed time for yourself. This time away can prove invaluable, reducing stress and preventing burnout.
4. Enhanced Quality of Life
Home care not only addresses immediate caregiving needs, but it also contributes to an improved quality of life for both the aging parents and the sandwich generation caregivers.
According to AARP, over 90% of adults 65+ report they want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. With professional assistance, older family members can age in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by familiar environments and the love of their families.
5. Emotional Support
The emotional toll of being part of the sandwich generation is immense. Home care providers not only assist with physical tasks but also offer emotional support to your loved one. Their presence can alleviate the loneliness experienced by aging adults and provide peace of mind to caregivers, knowing that their loved ones are well-cared for in their absence.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability
Home care services can be flexible, adapting to the evolving needs of your schedule. Whether the requirements are short-term or long-term, part-time or full-time, home care providers offer various services that can be adjusted to suit the family’s changing circumstances. This is great for sandwich generation caregivers who often have fluctuating schedules and need someone to take over at a convenient time.
In the complex and demanding role of the sandwich generation caregiver, home care emerges as a lifeline, easing the burden and enhancing the overall well-being of caregivers and their aging parents.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.
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For more information on caring for a loved one, download SYNERGY HomeCare’s free guide for sandwich generation family caregivers.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or Contact us to talk to a Home Care specialist.
