Anyone part of theBaby Boom, generally referred to those born between 1945–1965, may also be part of the Sandwich Generation –– those caring for their own families at home, children and spouse as well as aging parents or aging loved ones, close by or far away.
The impact of balancing the needs of the family at home with the needs of an aging loved one is tremendous on many levels; making sure kids get to soccer practice, getting dad to the cardiologist, making sure Mom has all her medications in her med set (so she doesn't take the wrong pill at the wrong time), getting dinner prepared for the family, sending an email to the boss letting him or her know that a meeting needs rescheduling, and even something as simple as getting the laundry washed and folded. The balance required is immense to ensure one's own sanity and internal peace of mind.
The immediate, financial costs for families falling in the Sandwich Generation depend on aging loved ones living close by or in another state. If crisis events occur, there is time off from work, travel arrangements, immediate expenses to recondition a home, providing mom or dad a barrier–free environment, as well as many other unexpected expenses.
The cost to American business is staggering. According to a Met Life survey conducted for The Caregiver Resource Center, the cost to American Businesses is $14.2–$15 billion. This includes time off from work, workday interruptions, emergency crisis management, as well as the impact on supervisors. The impact for supervisors includes emotional support, arranging for coverage during employee absence, counseling and dealing with workplace interruptions. Currently, the American workplace is not set up to deal with this emerging crisis.
What can business leaders do to ensure their own productivity, profitability and retention of their successful employees? Everything starts with great communication, education, and providing every opportunity to be pro–active. Have the conversation with business partners and employees and where applicable, offer options and solutions. Options may include the ability to refer employees to organizations that can assist them. Other solutions may be offering flexibility regarding paid time off (PTO) banks. As employees find options, solutions and relief, focus is back on the job and productivity goes back up.
The emotional impact is tremendous. Adult children want to help; they want to give back to those who have given so much. Aging parents understand something is going on, they are living it. Even if it can't be identified, they don't want to be a burden to their children, they know something has to be done to ensure their own safety. They may be reluctant to contact their children. This puts stress on adult children to step in and become a parent to the parent(s). The guilt that is associated for not helping can put as much stress on an adult child, as the stresses of identifying the right solution for that situation.
As an adult child, it is important to have an understanding of what mom and dad want. Any opportunity to remove stress, guilt or the strain of a caregiver/patient relationship can provide avenues for successful transitions, for everyone. While the aging process may offer an impression of weakness and lack of understanding, it is important to understand that this generation has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, Vietnam and Korea, changing technologies, the fall of Communism and the joy of raising and watching new generations grow up and have families of their own. They are far stronger than they may be given credit for.
If mom and dad want to remain in the comfort of their own home, understand what options are available. Organizations like HomeWell Senior Care, trusted providers of compassionate care for seniors, exist to allow seniors the benefit of aging in a place without compromising their safety and health. HomeWell Senior Care provides live–in and hourly personal care, companionship and homemaker services for seniors so they can remain in the comfort of their own homes. This allows mom and dad to honor their own wishes and keeps parent/child relationships from becoming caregiver/patient relationships.
Because you care, HomeWell is there.
