The Sandwich Generation – no, it’s not a sudden fad for meat between two slices of bread, but a demographic explosion. The term was coined to describe those 16 million Americans who not only take care of their children, but elderly parents too. They are “sandwiched” between two generations, and as you can imagine, just trying to make ends meet.

And there will be more of them: as America’s baby boomers age, in 25 years there will be 60 million Americans between the ages of 66 and 84, all of them needing some kind of care.

So who is the “sandwich” caregiver? Most probably, you are: female (though more fathers and sons are joining your ranks), work full-time, and devote an average of around 20 hours a week just to caregiving (in addition to car-pooling kids, shopping, etc.).

It will affect your work life. Because of your caregiving responsibilities, you will: get to work late, or have to leave early, have phone interruptions from medical personnel or confused parents, be so tired you are at higher risk for illness or accidents. It may be so bad you: give up a promotion, retire early or take a leave of absence.

If you or someone you know chauffeurs parents to doctor’s appointments, pays the parent’s bills, cleans their house, does or arranges for their home repairs, then welcome to the world of the family caregiver. Sound familiar?

But fear not, such a stress-inducing topic deserves a little levity. So, in addition to advice and information, we’d like to give a little comfort to those taxed with a very trying task. For your enjoyment, we’ve come up with a “Top Ten” list to identify those “hams” out there balancing the breads and with more on your plate than you need, read this – and enjoy:

10. You envy people who lead simpler, less stressful lives, like air-traffic controllers.

9. Your old 9-to-5 grind is now the “good ol’ days.”

8. You wonder how much it would cost to have your dining room set laminated.

7. You’re convinced that both Spongebob and Matlock are out to get you.

6. You’ll never forget your last vacation, “Summer ‘05: Daiquiris at the Mall.

5. You save the nice sippy cups for company.

4. You’d kick your oldest son out, but he’s the only one who can work the TV.

3. You apply for a patent for Adjust-a-Loo, the world’s first multigenerational toilet.

2. Your Dad reminds you he doesn’t need high SATs to get into a good nursing home.

1. Mom ran out of Depends? One word: Huggies.

So now that you think being a member of the sandwich generation “bites”, come to www.agis.com for assistance, support or even a break:

• Lighten you load: Set up a Family CareGroup. In a master calendar format, friends and family can share in various caregiving tasks and activities.
• You’re in good company: Visit our forums where caregivers just like you are sharing their advice, tips, and frustrations.
• Got a question? We have answers: Get practical advice from our team of eldercare experts.
• It isn’t just about lunch: Learn more about the Sandwich Generation. AGIS - we’re not just the icing, we’re the cake!

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Filed under: AGIS, Baby Boomers, Caregiving, Eldercare, Inspiration, Sandwich Generation, Working Caregivers