Senior Care in Today's World:

If you are one of the millions of adult children of a senior parent, you may be part of what has been coined as the "Sandwich Generation." This generation of adult children are usually trying to hold down full time jobs and may also have children of their own to care for, both financially and physically.

They find they must now also turn their attention towards their aging senior parents, who have increasing needs of daily living assistance. It can be scary and overwhelming for both the adult children and their elderly senior parents, but there is help.

Here are a few suggestions on how to begin:

Reassure Your Parents: Let them know that you are supporting them and can be depended upon to help them solve their problems. Emphasize family bonds.

Educate Yourself: You (and your parents, if able) need to become information specialists in areas relevant to their changing situation.


- Legal matters, including wills & property ownership
- Financial arrangements
- Healthcare resources & support services
- Housing & recreation resources
- Current knowledge on the aging process

Share the Work: Don't try to do everything yourself. Share emotional and physical responsibility among family, friends, professionals and private pay assistance.

Think Creatively: Brainstorm with family and friends about ways to help older family members maintain identity, continue interests on some level, and have as much decision making opportunity as possible.

Make Small Changes: Opt for the smallest change possible at each step. Don't be overwhelmed by the complete care that may be necessary in 5 years, when partial help may be all that is needed right now.

Take Some Risks: Be willing to take some risks if your parent is capable of realistically recognizing them and chooses to take them, at least, be open to a compromise solution.

Get Counseling: Obtain professional counseling if the situation and the relationship with an elderly parent becomes overwhelming.

Take Stock: As health and living problems arise, obtain an assessment of your parent's problems and their needs, such an assessment would best be done by a professional geriatric consultation team, including a physician, nurse and social worker. A lawyer and financial advisor may also be helpful in some instances.

Help Parents Retain Control: Respect your parents need to make decisions and remain in control of their lives.

Limits are often placed on their autonomy due to sickness, lack of financial resources, and the quality of family relationships.

However, a degree of participation in the decision making process is usually possible. Avoid making major decisions in haste.  Build your own support system and talk things over to get a different perspective.