You’re rushing out of the office on a weeknight, hoping to get your daughter to soccer practice on time, cook dinner and help your other child with their homework. Just as you hit the road, your cell phone rings. It’s the pharmacy telling you that the two prescriptions your father needs immediately are ready for pick up. Or you’re off to your son’s school play just as your mom’s neighbor calls to inform you that she has fallen again and needs you right away.
If these scenarios sound familiar, you’re stuck in the middle and have joined the “sandwich generation.” The term refers to adults with families of their own who find themselves caring for their parents as well. According to numbers from the National Family Caregiver Survey, 44 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 55 have aging parents or in-laws as well as children under 21.
This means that lots of families are dealing as best they can with the stress of running two households. Whether your parent lives with you, lives nearby or lives in another state, trying to juggle all these responsibilities is stressful, no matter how much support you have from family and friends.
Caring for an aging or ill parent is a full-time job that can take a toll on the caregiver. Add to that the demands of your job, lost time at the job plus your immediate family’s needs, chances are you’re going to need assistance along the way. Not everyone needs to be placed into an institutional facility. Most people can remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
Homecare companies such as Visiting Angels provide something these families have been missing — stability in everyone’s lives and peace of mind. These companies provide senior homecare to help elderly and older adults continue to live in their homes. These caring, experienced home caregivers provide up to 24-hour care in the comfort of the client’s own home. Caregivers will also do light housekeeping, run errands, prepare meals or do shopping — other ways they can provide a respite for families dealing with the care of a loved one.
Visiting Angels provides care for seniors at home. Assistance for your family is available by calling us at 661-263-2273.