Are You in the Sandwich Generation?Definition: “Those sandwiched between the

needs of aging parents and the needs of their own children”

Profile: Typically women, because they tend to shoulder the bulk of caregiving duties (personal care, food preparation, etc.) for children and dependent parents

Scope: 71% of people aged 41–59 have at least one living parent (up from 60% in 1989)

Other concerns: Because Americans are living longer, the stress of caring for parents can last longer

Things to Remember

ONE: The process of evaluating and selecting options for your parents will proceed AT THEIR PACE, not yours

TWO: It is better for your parents to make decisions about living arrangements and health care WHILE THEY ARE STILL ABLE to make the decisions

THREE: Unless your parents suffer from memory impairments, the decision is THEIRS, not yours, though you may need to take a leading role in the process

FOUR: Ask for help when you need it; Providence Life Services can be with you and for you throughout the journey

Becoming a Resource

• You can empower your parents to choose options that work for them—by providing information

• You will probably be better suited than they are to the task of information-gathering:

• Searching websites

• Collecting information packets

• Scheduling visits

• Organizing the information into meaningful spreadsheets or grids for comparison

Sifting Through It AllResidential and care options vary greatly—in

services offered, in atmosphere, in cost, in payment plans

The basic information you will need to know includes:

• What medical services are available on-site?

• What other services (housekeeping, meals, etc.) are included in the price?

• What kinds of activities and outings are offered?

• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?

• What are the fee structures?

• What options are available when more care is needed?

Knowing What to Look ForWhen you visit a residence you’re interested in, questions like these can help you analyze the experience:

• How are you greeted when you walk in the door?

• If you have a scheduled meeting with someone, is that person on time?

• Are other residents around? What kinds of activities are they involved in?

• How do the staff interact with the residents?

• What are some words that describe the atmosphere: Active? Safe? Healthy? Fun? Community? Options?

• How will it make you feel, knowing your mother or father is living here? Reassured? Guilty? Satisfied? Hopeful?

Knowing Your Living Options

Independent Living (IL) optimum self-reliance in the context of community

Assisted Living (AL) community living with personalized services and health care

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)medical care for short- or long-term needs

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) the full range of options (IL, AL, SNF) all in one setting

Other Options That May Meet Your Needs

Home-based Services Not ready to move? At-home help can provide a variety of services as often as needed

Short-term Respite Care Need a break? Many communities rent rooms by the day or week, so there’s no long-term commitment

Hospice Care can provide medical assistance and spiritual comfort for patients with life-limiting circumstances and their families

Knowing Your Payment Options

• Private pay

• Long-term Care Insurance

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• Veterans’ benefits

For More Information

Providence Life Services is here to help. We are a sympathetic resource for you, whatever option you decide to pursue. We can offer:

• Answers

• Informational materials

• Respite

• Prayer