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With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day according to the Census Bureau, the sandwich generation – adults who care for their aging parents while still raising their own children – has grown to nearly 80 million people in the United States. And with nearly 90% of adults over the age of 65 preferring to age in place, this has meant that caring for older adults has fallen on the shoulders of the sandwich generation more than ever before.

The Sandwich Generation Evolution

The term sandwich generation was first coined in the 1980s to describe women in their 30s and 40s who were sandwiched between aging parents and young children. Over time, it has evolved to describe anyone who is responsible for caring for two generations at the same time, regardless of gender or age. Today, this group is shifting from Generation X to Millennials, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more men taking an active role in caregiving duties. Other factors that have impacted sandwich generations include more two-income households, higher divorce rates, and economic fluctuations.

The sandwich generation often provides assistance in many ways, including daily activities, medical care, finances, and emotional support for both their parents and children. This can create financial and emotional stress, which is why it’s important to prioritize self-care. Thankfully, there are options like home care that can help ease the burden of caring for aging parents.

“While the concept of the sandwich generation is not new, the pressure has never been greater on individuals who need to care for family members of all ages,” says Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “That’s where home care can make a big difference by providing older adults with personalized, daily living support to help them maintain their independence at home, while offering respite and peace of mind to their children that they are being taken care of when they are not there.”

The Impact of Home Care

For adult children who may not have the extra time to care for their aging parents on top of their other responsibilities like raising children and working a full-time job, home care provides many practical benefits, including:

• Keeping loved ones out of the hospital. Research shows that when people can recover at home after a hospitalization, they recover faster. For this reason, home care services can be especially helpful for older adults transitioning home after a hospital stay, as caregivers can help with daily activities like picking up prescriptions and preparing meals that allow them to get the rest and recovery they need.
• Providing peace of mind. The average family caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one at home. Home care services are an ideal solution for the sandwich generation and older adults who need help with daily living activities but can’t always rely on family members to maintain their independence. Caregivers can help with transportation to medical appointments, mobility around the home, medication reminders, and more.
• Improving mental health. A strong social life has been linked to many benefits for older adults, including a longer life expectancy, fewer health conditions and improved well-being. As we age, it can become harder to maintain the same levels of social connectedness. That’s where caregivers can play an important role by offering companionship, friendship, and warm conversation.
• Giving people more time to do what they love. As we age, it’s normal for activities to take a bit longer than they used to, and home care services can help ensure the tasks of daily living don’t keep older adults from enjoying the activities that matter most. Whether it’s putting away groceries, hanging clothes in the closet, or staying up to date on the latest technology, caregivers can help older adults complete tasks around the house safely and more efficiently, so they can spend more time focusing on their favorite pastimes.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

With the sandwich generation continuing to grow and more being put on their plates, Family & Nursing Care stands ready to support families and reduce their physical and mental load. As one of the oldest home care resources in the Mid-Atlantic region, we’ve made it our mission to help older adults live their fullest independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. Here’s some of what sets us apart:

• For 55 years and counting, we’ve assisted tens of thousands of families by providing access to caregivers who help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more.
• Our longstanding relationships with hospitals, senior living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care insurance companies allow us to liaise in the coordination of what can often be an overwhelming process for clients and families. Whether it’s coordinating home care when a sudden need arises or supporting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to support them 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meet our unwavering standards of excellence, ensuring every Caregiver we work with is the best-of-the-best.
• Given Family & Nursing Care’s record as an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau and a Circle of Excellence recipient by the National Business Research Institute, it’s no wonder why more than 25% of Family & Nursing Care employees have been with the company for over 10 years.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, visit the Why Us? page on our website.