Category Archives: aging parents
Marlene, a school social worker, gradually realized that she had the luxury of many options. She could, in fact, retire and decide how she wanted to spend the rest of her life. A Sandwiched Boomer, her elderly Mother had been diagnosed with dementia and needed more daily support. Her two daughters were having babies at opposite ends of the continent. She wanted to be able to spend time with them after the births and to be with the grandchildren as they grew. Her son also lived away and was embarking … Continue reading
Posted in aging parents, sandwich generation, well-being, your self
Tagged elderly mother, family, post retirement careers, Sandwiched Boomers, volunteer
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“Community” has always been a concept that women embrace for caregiving, as Shelley Taylor discusses in her book, “The Tending Instinct.” Through the ages, from prehistoric times until now, communities in which women “tend and befriend” each other have allowed them to survive and even thrive. Now the presence of community is contributing to the new movement of “aging in place,” seniors remaining in their own homes rather than moving elsewhere. Studies indicate that over 90% of the elderly prefer this option and that it provides a better quality of … Continue reading
Americans today are living longer and are developing or dying from more chronic conditions. A greater number of parents now need care at the end of their lives. Many continue to live at home with their children as unpaid caregivers or move in with family, instead of into nursing homes. Male caregivers are already living their own version of the numbers. Nearly half of them have symptoms of depression. Time is a main resource in short supply and that issue takes a heavy emotional toll. How can they take time … Continue reading
