TOLEDO – The empty nest seemed on the horizon for Carolyn Kulawiak as her oldest daughter headed to college and her two younger daughters started high school.
But when her 85-year-old father died unexpectedly last year, Kulawiak found herself in another – and rapidly growing – demographic: the “sandwich generation caregiver,” meaning middle-aged adults who care for aging parents while still raising children. Kulawiak stepped into the role of primary caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia after her husband's death.
"Just like when you have your first child, there's no manual for being a caregiver," Kulawiak said.
In Ohio, more than one in three dementia caregivers are in the sandwich generation, according to new figures from the Alzheimer’s Association. As students return to school, the stress on those caregivers will increase as they juggle their kids’ schedules and their parents’ needs.
On Aug. 30, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a free virtual education program, “Sandwich Generation: Taking Care of Aging Parents while Raising Children.” It will include topics such as developing a plan of care, learning how to tap into community resources and dealing with stress. The program begins at 6 p.m. To register, call 800-272-3900.
The Alzheimer's Association offers these tips for sandwich generation caregivers:
• Take care of yourself: Making sure you are healthy can help you to be a better caregiver to others.
• Maintain good communication: Help your partner or spouse and your children understand the demands you are facing, and enlist their help and support.
• Seek support: Contact your local Alzheimer's Association chapter and Council on Aging or the statewide Pro Seniors advocacy group. These organizations can connect you with adult day programs, in-home assistance, companions and meal delivery programs, among many other services.
• Talk to your employer: Some companies offer flexible schedules or allow telecommuting. Discuss potential accommodations that can be made that will allow you to remain productive at work.
• Make a plan while your loved one can still make decisions: Make an appointment with an elder care attorney and hold a frank discussion with your parents about their financial situation and their wishes for their care when their dementia progresses.
