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Lessen The Squeeze: Caregiver Coping Skills

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2000), 5.75 million Americans are in the “Sandwich Generation” of caring for both children and parents, and women represent the majority of caregivers for family members.

As a certified long-term care specialist, daughter, mother and Sandwich Generation member, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact an event requiring long-term care can have on young families and caregivers. I officially became a member of the Sandwich Generation in 1995 when my daughter was two years-old and my father suffered a debilitating stroke. Together with my family, we encountered some of the most stressful moments, but discovered some of our family’s biggest blessings.

Before my father’s stroke, my parents living a half-a-mile away and a very flexible employer were part of my “perfect” situation. After my father had his stroke, my perfect situation quickly changed. Immediately, my mother took on responsibility for his care, practically living at the hospital and rehab center with him for five months, with no time for herself or anyone else. It was about a year after my father’s death in 2005 that my sisters, brother and I truly realized the physical and emotional toll this event had on my mother and our entire family.

Today I am fortunate that I can bring a few of the lessons I learned during that time to the table when I try to help families understand the importance of protecting their futures. I’ve found the majority of people are challenged to consider how an event requiring long-term care could impact their lives, but all it takes is a real life story to help them realize the potential repercussions to themselves and their families. I recommend a few things you can do to prepare for and live your lives while taking on a caregiver role.

Plan Ahead

Preparing well in advance to meet your own needs and those of your loved ones should undoubtedly be your first step. No matter how difficult it can be, you need to commit yourselves to having a conversation with your parents. I believe it’s the best gift you can give them. Many well-meaning parents and children avoid the conversation because they don’t want to consider the impact. The truth is a conversation can eliminate feelings of guilt, burden and the potential of conflict.

Look for opportunities to have a conversation by asking about a friend, relative or acquaintance who is going through a long-term care situation and ask “what if?” questions. Remember to listen carefully and ask questions if the responses are not clear. Don’t try to tackle the issue in one conversation. Instead make a plan to think about the options and set a goal for continuing to share information. If your parents haven’t considered it, find out if they would be interested in purchasing long-term care insurance.

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