Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) July 05, 2012 - Griswold Home Care, the nation’s oldest non-medical home care franchise, celebrates July as Sandwich Generation Month across the nation. During this month Griswold Home Care, along with other community-based providers, will generate awareness and celebrate the selfless acts of those who are sandwiched between two competing life events: taking care of their own careers and kids while assisting with the aging of their own parents.
July is Sandwich Generation Month: Griswold Home Care’s founder Dr. Jean Griswold established the month of observance in 2007, as a way of providing members of the Sandwich Generation with educational resources, community support, and recognition during the month of July. Since its founding, Sandwich Generation Month has been proclaimed an official month of recognition in states across the nation.
Carol Abaya, M.A., who is credited with coining the term ‘Sandwich Generation’, notes that “Being part of the Sandwich Generation is a new role and stage of life for which no one can ever rehearse. Adult children now must take a leadership role in aging parent relationships, make tough decisions, and in essence, become a parent to a parent. Roller coaster emotions dominate. Just remember you are not alone and there is no magic wand to deal with these tough new challenges."
The Sandwich Generation is a growing phenomenon as improved healthcare and nutrition allow for longer American life expectancies. Many studies show that women commonly spend 17 years of their life taking care of their kids and another 18 years taking care of their parents. Today’s baby boomers are researching colleges for their children while also researching in home care options or nursing homes for their parents. While some adult children live nearby their aging parents, according to the Pew Research Center, 22% of American households are now comprised of at least three generations under the same roof.
For some busy professionals, the balancing act is very personal if aging parents are not nearby.
“Like millions of people around the country, my wife and I are both busy professionals with a toddler at home and commitments in our community. My parents’ health and wellness is a significant concern for us and we’re committed to doing the best job we can in helping them. Having them several states away can oftentimes causes us anxiety – especially when bad weather strikes or other unique situations arise. After so many years of them taking care of us, this is an entirely new role for each of us and it can be tricky. ” says Graham Weihmiller, Chief Client Advocate & CEO of Griswold Home Care.
The emotional and financial stress of caring for two generations, aging parents as well as children, can manifest itself in many ways. Oftentimes adults in the Sandwich Generation find themselves fatigued, overwhelmed and distracted during work or everyday tasks.
“There are challenges in the Sandwich Generation: too little time, too little money, too little help. There are demands from every direction, especially for those of us trying to balance a career in the mix. My mother is 90 and has Alzheimer's and I'm determined to keep her at home. I care for her two hours a day so our Griswold caregiver can take time off.” explains Lesley Mills of New Haven, CT who has run her own business for over a decade and finds herself in the Sandwich Generation.
Balancing these responsibilities can also be managed by working with home and community-based providers. “We have the best of both worlds while balancing our family daily life. We do not do it alone, and we are fortunate to have a professional caregiver for our mom, as well as siblings, and supportive family and friends.” says Mirza Donegan of Aspen Hill - Wheaton, MD. .
Founded by Jean Griswold in 1982 in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, Griswold Home Care is the nation’s oldest non-medical home care franchise. Once a small grassroots organization, Griswold Home Care is now comprised of over 189 territories in 29 states. Dedicated to referring caregivers who provide outstanding, compassionate, and affordable service, Griswold Home Care is a leader in the home care industry and advocates strongly for aging adults and their family caregivers. To learn more, visit the Griswold Home Care website at: http://www.griswoldhomecare.com/ and connect with us on Facebookand Twitter.
Derek Jones
Griswold Home Care
www.griswoldhomecare.com
(215) 402-0200 108
Griswold Home Care is a home care company, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients.