Sandwiched Mothers

You’re busy working from home watching the clock, mentally calculating whether you have enough time to check in on your mother, pick up some groceries, and cook dinner for your teenager. . . or will you be ordering pizza yet again tonight?

 

If this scene feels at all familiar to you, then you’re likely one of the 2 million Canadians who fit into the infamous “sandwich generation”.  According to Statistics Canada, 28% of all caregivers in Canada are part of the sandwich generation. The sandwich generation generally applies to those in their late 30’s to early 60’s who are simultaneously caring for their ageing parents as well as their growing children. 

 

 

Advances in healthcare are allowing people to live longer lives, though not necessarily healthier lives.  The end of one’s life may include more intensive care, further demanding the time and energy of the sandwich generation who is caught between their parents and children.  The increased life expectancy has led to another possibility—the club sandwich generation.  The club sandwich refers to people who are assisting their ageing parents, while also being involved in their children’s, and grandchildren’s lives. 

 

Four living generations is no longer a rare scenario.


It is now possible for families to have two generations who are both in their senior years at the same time!  The club sandwich can also apply to someone who is in her 40’s who has teenagers at home, while also assisting her 68-year-old parents and her 92-year-old grandparents.  A woman in this situation is caring for two senior generations simultaneously, while also raising her own family.

 

Add to this the pressures of working from home, parenting, homeschooling, marriage, personal life, and personal health—no wonder there is concern about the sandwich generation suffering burn-out! Often people feel that they should be able to manage all of the simultaneous caregiving because previous generations managed to do so.  In reality, previous generations did not experience the sandwich generation phenomenon to the same degree.

 

 

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by today’s sandwich generation - especially in such unique times, will help to alleviate guilt and replace the sense of “I should be able to do this” with “where can I find meaningful assistance?". Acknowledging that you cannot do it all alone and that you deserve assistance is the first step. There are services available to help so that you don't have to this all alone!

 

Caring for your own health and well-being is crucial! 

 

Managing to eat healthy meals, and getting exercise needs to be a personal priority, not just something to do if you have time left over—because there is never time left over. If you are feeling completely stressed and burned out, you are not in the best condition to care for loved ones. 

 

Instead, think about accepting homecare assistance so that you are able to lead a balanced lifestyle that cares for you too! Put support systems in place to assist you in caring for your parents and grandparents.  A loving companion aide might be just the solution to support your parents while caring for your health at the same time.

 

With support systems set in place, you can avoid burn out, and enjoy your free time for some personal self-care or a well-needed vacation. 

 

Contact us today for more information!

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In today's world, the political climate can be a significant source of stress for many people. The constant stream of news, debates, and social media discussions can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. It's important to recognize when this stress is taking a toll and to find ways to manage it effectively.

 

Photo by Beyzanur K.

 

Unplugging from technology is the best way to reduce stress from our political climate. A break from technology can be very refreshing.

 

Here are some steps to help you unplug:

Set Boundaries:

Decide when and where you'll use technology and for what purposes. Create tech-free zones in your home, such as the bedroom or dining area.


Limit Screen Time:

Gradually reduce your screen time. Start by cutting back 10% each week until you reach a comfortable level.


Engage in Real-World Activities:

Fill your unplugged time with rewarding activities like reading, exercising, volunteering in the community or spending time in nature.


Mindfulness and Gratitude Practices:

Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to help manage stress.

 

We have several clients who wind down by watching the news in the morning and the evening before going to bed. However, they often end up feeling more anxious and worried! The news can be overstimulating and is designed to provoke emotional reactions. That's why it's important to unplug from technology, such as your TV.

 

This can be particularly challenging for seniors who are alone for most of the day. That's why companionship care, such as what we provide at Warm Embrace, is so effective. When you have a loved one in the early stages of dementia constantly watching TV and ruminating on the doom and gloom in the news, they become increasingly anxious, making it difficult for them to be redirected. With companionship care, our caregivers can engage your elderly loved one in activities that will get them off the news.

 

It doesn't always have to be on you to take the burden of caregiving. Family caregiving is already tiring enough, and with everything going on in the world, we're here, willing and ready to lighten your load.

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