Emily Armstrong
Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan
The landscape of what caregiving looks like is constantly changing. Though the act of caring for a loved one remains the same, a number of variables have contributed to a notable shift in caregiving in the last few decades. For instance, you may have heard the phrase “the Sandwich Generation” thrown about from time to time, but what does this mean? This term is used to describe individuals who are not only caring for their own children, but for an aging or disabled adult family member as well. They are sandwiched between the two roles and are responsible for taking on the care of both. The main reason for this occurrence is that people are living longer due to better healthcare and technology, and delayed parenting has become the new norm as couples start families in their mid-to-late 30s.
Common characteristics of the sandwich generation include stress, financial burden, and burnout. According to a study released by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), “more than 11 million Americans (more than a quarter of all caregivers) are caring for an adult family member due to health needs or disability, while also caring for children at home.” Oftentimes these caregivers are working full time, which adds an additional burden. Every sandwich generation caregiver’s situation is unique, yet there are a few things that can be done to support them, even in small ways. What may seem like “not enough,” can make a world of a difference.
Be a good listener. One of the most powerful things you can do is to just listen. “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable,” explains author David Augsburger. Listening carefully is a way to show support and to build trust.
Dedicate your time or talents. If there is something you are good at or like to do, such as cooking, shopping, driving, or making telephone calls, offer to do a specific task for the caregiver that they may not have the time for. Here are a couple of examples: offer to prepare a meal weekly (or as often as you feel comfortable), or offer to drive their parent or child to their doctor appointment or school. Come alongside the caregiver and offer to do a tangible task.
Guide them to community resources. Through the Caregiver Resource Network, we realize that caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. The Caregiver Resource Network was created to include resources in a nine-county region (Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola). Resources range from support groups, podcasts, articles, monthly classes, and events. It also provides a safe place where caregivers can feel supported and heard. You can visit www.caregiverresource.netor call 1-888-456-5664 for further info.
