Maybe you are currently caring for aging parents while raising your own child. Even if that is not your situation right now, with people living longer you may find yourself in that dual role at some point. According to the Pew Research Center, 71% of the sandwich generation is between ages 40 and 59. An additional 19% are younger than 40 and 10% are age 60 or older. Men and women are equally likely to be members of the sandwich generation.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, in 2015, 9.3 million Americans were part of the sandwich generation, a number that will increase significantly over the next 20 years as the baby boomer population gets older.
This dual role can be both rewarding and challenging. While it does provide an opportunity to spend more time with aging parents, Pew’s study of the group indicates many adults who are part of the sandwich generation are pulled in many directions. Not only do many provide care and financial support to their parents and their children, but nearly 38% say both their grown children and their parents rely on them emotionally, too.
Fortunately, Pearson has arranged for you to have access to a suite of services that can help with all your caregiving needs, from your parents to the kids and, yes, even your pets. LifeCare® specialists are available 24×7 with guidance, research and referrals to take some of the pressure off. Across parenting, seniors, child-rearing, wellness and more, LifeCare offers support and resources such as:
- Locating child care or daycare that works best for your family
- Matching your elderly parents with senior care options
- Connecting you to a certified senior care manager for in-person assessments
- Securing backup care for children and adults when regular care plans go awry
- Offering guidance on communicating with your teen
- Guiding you through college planning and researching financial aid
But, wait there’s more. LifeCare’s website offers you guides, webinars, live talks, articles and more, for example.
Is the babysitter ill, or your elder care provider has an emergency? Backup Care Connection offers access to a network of highly-credentialed providers, and you pay a small copay for up to 20 visits per year. Visit LifeCare to learn more or call 1-800-450-7071 (or TDD/TTY 800-873-1322) anytime.