Baby Boomers as “The Sandwich Generation” - Caught in the Middle
No, “the sandwich generation” phrase has nothing to do with eating sandwiches while watching “Leave it to Beaver.” It means that Baby Boomers are stuck in the middle - taking care of children and aging parents at the same time.
I’m finally out of the “sandwich” phase. My mother and mother-in-law both died within the last year, and my children are finally out of college and on their own, but for many years I was running back and forth between my mother’s home in Ohio and all the things my children were doing. It’s exhausting, both mentally and physically.
An article in FoxNews about this subject discusses some of the “plan ahead” things you need to do to deal with issues relating to an elderly parent: things like powers of attorney, long-term care insurance, and living wills. Some parents are easier to deal with than others. After several years of struggling to keep her simple checking account balanced, my mother was very willing to turn her financial affairs over to me. On the other hand, my mother-in-law refused to give up her checkbook, even after she couldn’t write checks.
My suggestion is to talk with your siblings and parents. Work out a plan that includes everyone. Do it before you have to.
If you have other advice for dealing with “sandwich” issues, we would love to hear them.
Tags: baby boomer, durable power of attorney, living will, long-term care insurance, retirementRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Being A Boomer, Boomer Books, Health, Mindset
3 opinions for Baby Boomers as “The Sandwich Generation” - Caught in the Middle
Amy Sherman
Feb 22, 2008 at 9:13 am
We, boomers, are definitely stuck in the middle. But, you don’t have to do everything. I get my adult kids to help out with grandma when they can, like take her to lunch, movies, shopping, etc. It is exhausting when you are the one responsible for the two generations, but I think pacing yourself, a little planning ahead and asking others to help can make a big difference.
Phyllis Goldberg, Ph.D.
Feb 23, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Both our website, http://www.HerMentorCenter.com and our blog, http://www.NourishingRelationships.blogspot.com have information about Sandwiched Boomers caring for parents growing older and children growing up. We invite you to share the articles with your readers as we need all the suppoprt we can get!
Jean
Feb 25, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Thanks for your comments and the helpful links.
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