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$Title{Who Are the Sandwiched Generation?}
$Subject{sandwiched generation older parents growing children care caring
aging families retired family child age aged old elderly geriatric geriatrics
generations parent kid kids teens teen sandwich}
$Volume{Q-23,S-23,T-23}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Who Are the Sandwiched Generation?


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QUESTION:  I am distressed beyond all measure, for I seem caught between the
rock and a hard place.  My widowed mother has been living with us for several
years, but now our growing children and Mom are in constant conflict.  I want
to be a good daughter, but can not desert my responsibilities as a mother.  If
I don't get a break from these pressures I will soon need some help for
myself.  Where do I turn, and is there any help out there for my personal
situation?

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ANSWER:  It may not be much help but you should know that you are not alone.
As parents grow older, living to ages once considered rare, and your own
children make their special demands, you belong to a generation now called the
"sandwiched" generation.  The U.S. Bureau of Census predicts that by the year
2000, 35 million Americans will be older than 65, and that almost 108,000 will
live to be 100 years or older.
     No amount of retirement income can deal with that longevity, and the
increasing expenses of health care or nursing home care.  That has put the
burden of caring for aging parents in the lap of their mature children, who
have families of their own.  Community resources have not developed as rapidly
as the problem, and most people lack enough information to find what does
exist.  Grab your phone book and start checking out some of the following
possibilities.  First look up county, state and federal government agencies,
and contact them to see what is available in your area.  Look for an "Office
of the Aging", or "Department of Social Services".  Try to locate adult day
care centers where your Mom can spend an afternoon with new friends from her
generation, and you can take a break.  Check with the American Association of
Retired Persons, always a rich source of information that is helpful for
dealing with problems of aging.  Check with your own religious affiliation.
Pastors, priests and rabbis are all invaluable in helping you access existing
networks that may be able to help.
     What about brothers or sisters, spouse, close relatives or even friends?
If you can get a few hours off from time to time, you will find that these
moments away provide you with the opportunity to take a deep breath, and make
some logical plans to deal with future problems, that will no doubt develop.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.