School supply runs, orientations, and adjusting the entire family to new sleep schedules–August has its work cut out for parents. Back-to-school preparations are upon us once again, and for the Sandwich Generation, it can also bring the challenge of juggling their parents' care needs alongside their own family responsibilities. If you find yourself navigating the delicate balance between caring for aging parents and raising school-going children, rest assured that you are not alone.
As temperatures start to cool down, you might feel your responsibilities heating up–the demands on your time and energy may become overwhelming. Today, we'll explore how the transition from summer to school can impact the Sandwich Generation and discuss the various resources available to help lighten the load.
Making the Transition from Summer to School
In the heat of the summer, schedules are flexible and kids are easy-going (or can be), making it easier to spend more time caring for your aging parents. Caregiving tasks might’ve been lightwork in May, but come August, you might look up and realize your daily routine is structured around the needs of your aging parents. But as the school year begins, routines change, and the added responsibilities can place immense pressure on Sandwich Generation caregivers.
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
With your attention diverted to the kids, it can be challenging to dedicate the same amount of time and attention to your parents' care needs as they navigate this new terrain of aging.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the competing demands of caregiving for both generations, it's crucial to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, recognizing your limits and seeking assistance is an act of strength and love, ensuring that you can provide the best possible care for your loved ones of all ages.
Caregiving Options for the Sandwich Generation
- In-Home Care: Consider engaging professional caregivers who can provide support and assistance to your aging parents in the comfort of their own home. These caregivers can help with daily tasks, medication reminders, and companionship, giving you the time to make cupcakes for the bake sale and still get Grandma and Grandpa ready for your kid’s football game or choir recital, or even just take some time for yourself.
Did you know that if one of your parents is a war-time Veteran, the cost of in-home care might be covered by Veterans Aid & Attendance? You can apply for this benefit through the Veterans Administration. Ard Law Firm is accredited with the VA and can help you navigate this process by submitting appeals, arguing claims, and being a resource every step of the way.
2. Adult Day Care: Adult day care centers offer a safe and social environment for seniors during the day. Your parents can participate in various activities and receive personalized care, giving you the peace of mind to concentrate on work, running errands, and making sure the never-ending to-do list remains manageable.
3. Respite Care: Don't underestimate the importance of taking care of yourself. Arranging for respite care to give yourself short breaks from caregiving might be the boon to your wellbeing you didn’t know you needed. Whether it's a few hours or a weekend away, this time to recharge can make a significant difference in your ability to be a caregiver for the long term.
4. Senior Living Facilities: While the thought of transitioning your parents to a senior living facility might be challenging, it could be the best option for everyone involved either now or in the near future. There’s a wide range of options when it comes to senior living communities, they offer various levels of care, from independent living to assisted living and even memory care. If you find yourself overwhelmed with complex diagnoses, intricate medication schedules, and confusing physical therapy tasks, it might be time to think about a skilled nursing facility so your parents can receive the professional level of care and attention they deserve.
Looking into Senior Living Facilities can take some time and there’s no harm in touring facilities and speaking with an attorney months (or even years) in advance to get a feel of the best options for your family. From amenities to medical assistance , pricing, and location, a lot goes into making the best decision for your family. Give yourself the time to mull these details over. We see it far too often, families forced to act quickly in the midst of a medical emergency, trying to navigate the unfamiliar terrain of senior care.
Whether you’re planning ahead or coming to us in a pinch, Ard Law Firm knows how to be there for you and your loved ones. Our office is well-equipped to work with you at any stage of the process. We have provided our services to the families of the Houston and Galveston area for over a decade, and during that time we have fostered great professional relationships with many of the Skilled Nursing Facilities in the area.
And if you need something to get you in the back-to-school mood, you’ll have some homework before we can really get momentum built up. This is a process that requires some upfront effort, we’ll need your help getting together crucial documents, executing certain legal documents, and determining the best plan for your family!
Remember, you’re not failing if you seek resources to take care of your parents, you are simply recognizing their needs and providing them with professionals who are trained to meet those needs. Looking into these resources before they’re absolutely necessary can give you time to make the best decisions for your family, alleviating the worrisome question of, “did I make the right choice?”
Before the school year really goes into full swing, take a moment to make a note of the tasks your parents need most help with–what time of day do you often get a call from them? And how can you plan your fall schedule to accommodate your parents, your children, and yourself? Think of how everyone's needs might change as they continue to age and at what point you think you’d benefit from formal support.
At Ard Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the complexities of caregiving and planning for the unpredictable future. If you’re wondering how to pay for long-term care or thinking about selling the family home, call us immediately as you might have more options than you realize: 713-429-0218
