June 18, 2017
Due in part to the advances of science and medicine, humans are living longer than ever before, resulting in a new role for the sandwich generation (adults providing family home care for both children and aging parents): the role of the boomerang generation.
“Aging together” is the caption for older adults whose mother and father are still living and in need of good care. This results in a wave of adults of retirement age, uprooting and moving to live, once more, in a location close to their senior parents. And in many cases, the senior child is dealing with his or her own health problems, further complicating the dynamics and generating a higher risk for caregiver burnout – on both sides of the equation.
Associate Professor of Gerontology Kathrin Boerner, of the University of MA, clarifies the issue: “For a lot of people, that is the time – if you’re in good enough health – you hope for a time of greater freedom. You’re past all the other caregiving tasks and, for most people, they can dedicate time to their own needs. But for those with very old parents, it just doesn’t happen.”
Even though the regenerated bond between older adult children and their aging parents can be beneficial for all involved, such as through exploring shared interests that can be really enjoyed together, the toll that caregiving can take later in life may lead to heightened levels of stress, depression, as well as physical health concerns.
Fortunately, there’s a strategy to provide the necessary care for senior children along with their elderly parents, making it possible for both to focus exclusively on relishing quality time together: hiring an in-home caregiver from a professional senior care agency like Continuum. We’re able to help in a variety of ways, customized to each family’s unique situation, including such services as:
- Running errands, including shopping for groceries and picking up medications
- Planning and preparing nourishing meals
- Assisting with light household chores and laundry washing
- Personal care services which include assistance with washing and dressing
- Providing transportation and accompaniment to healthcare appointments or fun outings
- And much more
Each member of the professional St. Louis home health care team at Continuum, is fully background checked, trained, and knowledgeable in all aspects of proper family home care. Leave the mundane tasks to us, and get back to enjoying life with those you love! Call us at (314) 863-9912 or contact us online to learn more.