Are you a part of the sandwich generation?
The sandwich generation is a generation of adults who are taking care of both their children and their aging parents.
The Kensington Falls Church recently partnered with three experts who shared their unique perspectives on the struggles of the sandwich generation — and offered guidance and solutions. Watch the event’s recording below or click here.
Read on to learn more about the challenges of the sandwich generation, the tips and advice from our guest speakers, and how The Kensington Falls Church supports all caregivers in our community.
What is the sandwich generation?
According to Pew Research Center, nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent who is 65 or older and is either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child.
These younger caregivers are facing increasing stress due to the challenges of supporting both their senior parents and adult children financially, emotionally, physically, or all of the above.
The Kensington Falls Church is eager to extend our support to this generation because we understand the challenges caregivers face, and we also know how important it is for caregivers to feel heard and supported.
During our sandwich generation event, we explored the many challenges this generation faces with our guest speakers, including how the mounting pressure of caring for parents and children can negatively impact our physical and mental health.
We welcomed the following experts:
- Christy Byrne Yates, a licensed educational psychologist who is a member of the sandwich generation herself and wrote the book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation.
- Alexandria Goff, founder of Goff Legal, PC, a law firm focused on estate planning, probate, and estate administration matters
- Karen Osborne, a full-time trial lawyer and the creator and host of the podcast Living in the Sandwich Zone, where she shares all about her sandwich generation life
During the interactive conversation, our expert guests shared tips and tricks on how to create balance if you are a part of the sandwich generation.
They also offered practical ways to manage the stress that comes with caring for your loved ones.
Let’s take a look at the unique challenges of the sandwich generation, and how these caregivers can successfully navigate the challenges.
What types of challenges does the sandwich generation face?
Members of the sandwich generation feel pulled in multiple directions.
They often will either still be raising young children as a younger caregiver while supporting an aging parent, or they are supporting an adult child along with their parents.
Both groups frequently require financial and emotional assistance, and sometimes even physical assistance.
Members of the sandwich generation report that they spend all day caring for their children and parents, in addition to their own work and personal obligations.
Naturally, the mounting pressures of providing nonstop care for others can lead to a caregiver neglecting their own needs and being unable to successfully navigate their own feelings of stress and overwhelm.
How can this generation navigate its unique challenges?
During our sandwich generation event, our expert guests discuss ways to create balance and reduce stress.
Consider the following tips and strategies to manage your own stress as a sandwich generation caregiver.
Identify feelings of stress and how you currently navigate them
How can you tell when you’re feeling stressed out? What sorts of behaviors or activities do you use as coping strategies?
Identify these feelings and behaviors so you can work to overcome stressors in healthy ways.
Create a plan for care and set boundaries
Make a list of your responsibilities, and determine ways you can “lighten the load.”
Are there other friends and family members you can ask to help with the daily or weekly tasks for your senior parents?
What kinds of resources can you provide your adult child to help them become more independent?
Implement healthier habits into your life
Sandwich generation caregivers often feel there’s not enough time in the day to care for themselves in addition to their loved ones.
Start small, but begin identifying ways you can incorporate healthy, positive habits into your daily routine.
Make sure to focus on the basics: nutrition, hydration, sleep, exercise, and social activity.
Seek professional support
Finding professional support can mean anything from a therapist or support group for yourself, to seeking at-home care or an assisted living community for your senior loved ones.
The Kensington Falls Church is an enhanced assisted living and memory care community that offers numerous caregiver resources to those in our community. We believe that hearing from others who are going through a similar journey can provide you with much-needed support and a sense of community.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own — and this Promise extends to friends, family, and caregivers.
How The Kensington Falls Church supports the sandwich generation
Whether you are seeking exceptional senior care or are simply looking for resources and guidance, The Kensington Falls Church is here for you.
We offer a full spectrum of clinical support for all levels of care, which allows for true “aging in place.” This means that no matter how your loved one’s care needs change over time, they have a home with us.
We are able to adapt to change and accommodate a range of individual needs through the following services and programs:
- Specialized memory care with two customized “neighborhoods,” Connections and Haven
- Full calendar of life enrichment activities
- Nutritious, gourmet dining options
- Onsite rehabilitation with physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Full-time registered nurse to coordinate care
- Staff of licensed nurses onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Onsite physician’s office with regular hours
We also offer the following caregiver resources for those seeking assistance and support:
- Calendar of upcoming events, including recurring caregiver support groups
- Blog filled with news, updates, and resources
- Kensington Konnect hub with informative and entertaining tips, classes, news, books, and more
Contact us today to connect with our loving team.
At The Kensington Falls Church, we share a love for seniors, a passion for excellence, and a spirit to serve. Let us show you Our Promise in action by planning a visit to our community.