50+ Lifestyles

Feeling Squeezed?

The Balancing Act of the Sandwich Generation

By Kathy Malmloff
CASI Director of Senior Services

When you envisioned your adult life growing up, did you ever think that you would be a parent to your children and a caregiver to your aging parents all at the same time? Me neither. But today I am just one of thousands facing this extraordinary challenge while at the same time trying to balance my other “grown-up” responsibilities (i.e. a full-time job, a home, finances, etc.). There are many days when I feel that I am not strong enough, but then the alarm goes off the next morning and I get up and do it all again. I recently learned I
am part of what is being called the “Sandwich Generation”; and I am not alone.

The term “sandwich generation” was coined by Dorothy A Miller in 1981, as an attempt to bring public awareness to the unfathomable about of time, energy (both physical and emotional) and financial investment needed to care for two different generations vs. the return to the caregiver. Today, nationally recognized eldercare author Carol Abaya, M.A, has categorized the different types of “sandwiches”:

• Traditional: those sandwiched between aging parents who need care and/or help and their own children.
• Club Sandwich: those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren, or those in their 30s and 40s, with young children, aging parents and grandparents.
• Open Faced: anyone else involved in elder care.

According to the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan think tank in Washington D.C., 1 of every 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for a parent, in addition to between 7 to 10 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance. US Census Bureau statistics indicate that the number of older Americans aged 65 or older will double by the year 2030, to over 70 million. Here in the Quad Cities, it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults will be over the age of 60 by the year 2025.

So how do we, the Sandwich Generation, learn to manage this squeeze? It takes a village that’s for sure! With children, we look for support through other families; community organizations; child care, activities, etc. Few know that similar programs are also available for seniors in our life. Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) is a great place to start. This non-profit organization has been helping older adults, their families and caregivers navigate through the aging process for more than 40 years. CASI’s wellness model focuses on the whole person while addressing the needs of the individual. We should also take a look at resources that give our parents opportunities to maintain a safe level of independence while giving you a break from the responsibilities of caregiving. Consider adult day centers such as Jane’s Place at CASI. These centers provide our older adults with opportunities to make choices, socialize and be active while giving you, the caregiver guilt-free time away.

The way we age is different from even 10 years ago. If you’re like me, and you’ve made the promise that you would do whatever it takes to keep your parents at home then make good on that promise without losing sight of your children and who you are. CASI can help you accomplish these goals. Between the Senior/Community Center, Jane’s Place and our Senior Advocacy Program, CASI takes a look at the needs of the entire family and provides guidance with ideas aimed at identifying, meeting and in many cases enhancing everyone’s quality of life during these extraordinary but manageable times.

For more information on Jane’s Place Adult Day Program and other CASI activities, please call (563) 386-7477 or visit the CASI website, www.CASISeniors.org.