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INSIDE This Issue
The Story Behind My Wood River Road Trip 1
2 Medicare Fraud Is Being Tackled Head On (And With Robots)
Testimonial 3
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars 3
4 Stuck in the Middle: Managing Sandwich Generation Strain
Sandwich Generation Stress Smart Strategies to Survive the Caregiving Years
Caring for children and aging parents can be stressful for the generation in the middle, leading to heavy workloads and round-the-clock worries. Nearly 1 in 4 American adults are shouldering those duties as part of the sandwich generation — that is, they have at least one parent over 65 and are raising a child under 18 or supporting an adult child financially, according to Pew Research. These cross-generational responsibilities can easily leave a caregiver feeling swamped and stressed out. However, family-care experts have provided three strategies for navigating this challenging stage of life. SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS Neglecting your own physical and mental health is a mistake, not only for your
sake but for ensuring you have the inner resources you need for your family. One social worker told Care.com, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If you simply can’t find time for a break to exercise, read, or chill with friends, ask a spouse, another family member, or a friend to take over caregiving duties so you can get away. If you need support or space to vent, look for a caregiver support group through a local aging agency, hospital, or senior-care facility. STREAMLINE TASKS Plan to delegate chores, such as driving the kids to sports practice or taking Mom to a doctor's appointment. To avoid constantly updating family members on a loved one’s status, set up a group text or shared Google Doc. Family-focused platforms such as Lotsa Helping Hands offer more
elaborate information-sharing functions and can be especially useful during crises.
NON-NEGOTIABLE NEEDS You may never attain a sense of balance during this life stage. As one caregiver says, sometimes it’s all about putting out fires, and that’s okay! But don’t surrender your own needs entirely! Identify the activities you simply cannot give up without sacrificing your mental health, such as regular exercise, time outdoors, or coffee with friends. Make time for these pursuits by enlisting others to help or paying for professional care. Remember that the difficult, unpredictable labor of family care you provide can make a huge and enduring difference in your loved ones’ quality of life. And that is a purpose well worth pursuing!
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