The new generation of seniors are living longer, and their children often are still raising families. They’re not prepared for their older parents’ needs, and the dynamic between adult children and aging parents is not a simple one.

In an effort to better prepare the social workers they train, Volland and her team commissioned a study, released late last year, entitled “Squeezed Between Children and Older Parents: A Survey of Sandwich Generation Women”. The poll, which surveyed women ages 35 to 54, showed that more than 60 percent of women concerned about an aging relative’s health said they have difficulty managing stress, compared with 48 percent of women for whom an aging relative’s health was not a concern.

Women concerned about an aging relative’s health were about three times more likely (34 percent) to say they worry “a great deal” about having enough time for family than those who were not responsible for the care of an aging loved one (12 percent).

“Working through the maze of helping an elderly loved one can be more than a full-time job,” Volland said. “Social workers are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive care coordination. This begins with a comprehensive assessment, which includes identifying resources, managing the complexity of the relationships between the many care systems people encounter such as health, payment, and formal and informal supportive services, as well as dealing with family dynamics.”

Social workers and other senior care experts often recommend resources like Home Instead Senior Care to help the elderly remain independent and their family caregivers manage stress. Home Instead CAREGivers provide older adults companionship and assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, shopping and errands – thus providing a valuable respite for weary family caregivers, as well.

“Our services can be just what harried family members need to help fill in caregiving gaps they may be experiencing, as well as to alleviate the stress and worry that caregiving can bring to their lives,” said Hogan.  “Most family caregivers agree that there are many rewards associated with this job, and that additional support can make all the difference.”

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Welcome to the Home Care Mississauga blog. Visit often for updates, tips, and education on helping aging loved ones stay in their homes.

Family Caregivers and readers, please ask your questions in our comment section.  What is it like for you and your siblings? How did you minimize the defensiveness that your parents may have felt when bringing up hard topics such as finances or home safety or taking the keys away? We know these are hard topics and we would like you to share your stories.

Tips to enhance conversations about home care help with aging relatives:

1. Don’t speak to your parents like they are children, we call it Forget the Baby Talk! Remember, your parents or aging loved one is an adult, not children. What puts adults on defense is patronizing speech or communications. It could give the message of ill respect. Always put yourselves in their shoes, it helps the message delivery.

2. Always try to move in the direction that maximizes their independence. With their cooperation and together, look for answers that optimize strengths and also compensate for problems or their weaknesses. Remember Home Instead Senior Care can help.

3. If, for example, one parent passes away and soon afterward, the other parent seems to be depressed and doesn’t keep the house clean, it may not be because that living parent is ill. But instead it could be that he/she is suffering from the loss of a life long partner. You can help by making sure that parent has an active social life. We advise that families Stay Tuned in to the parent’s life, keeping a watchful eye.

4. Ask for help. We can assist you in resolving many of these issues by providing your parent(s) with the added support they need to maintain their independence. Resources such as Area Agency for the Aging and Home Instead Senior Care Mississauga can provide solutions.

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.