The Sandwich Generation

There is an emerging trend in America, the development of the “sandwich generation”. Sandwich generation is a term that refers to parents that are sandwiched between caring for young children and caring for their aging parents.

According to CBN News: Health and Science; there are 20 million Americans or one in eight that are raising children while caring for aging parents. This puts a real burden on the caregivers; many are also managing businesses or careers and juggling all the activities of the family.

So how can this be managed; the juggling of health and aging alone can be very challenging. As aging parents continue to age, there will be additional complications; the average patient in skilled or long term care presents with 7 or 8 conditions, many of which can be very challenging to manage on their own and nearly impossible in combination. The chronic diseases of aging can be very challenging for caregivers to help aging parents cope with; as many continue to show complex side effects and symptoms as the disease progresses.

Helping to provide support and comfort in these times can be challenging. For decades the “hospital-style” bed has been an option. The adjustable bed frame has come a long way since the 1970s. Today’s adjustable bed comes with lots of options, including heat, massage, lighting and interconnectivity for computers, smart phones and music. When combined with a modern memory foam mattress, the adjustable bed can be a godsend for the caregiver. The bed can support the chronic pain of arthritis, back pain or fibromyalgia. The elevation can help with acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea.

The contoured support of the bed will aid in alignment of the neck and spine, which also aids in the sleep needed. In addition, the memory foam does not have the pressure point problem of innerspring mattresses. When mobility issues are a problem, and the sleeper cannot toss and turn, pressure points can easily turn the fragile, more delicate skin of aging parents into pressure or bedsores. This can lead to dangerous infections and other medical complications.

The ability to have a fully functional bed; that serves more than one purpose with features and benefits such as massage and heat can be a real boon in care giving. When you are also on the move, chauffeuring children to soccer, lessons and jobs; knowing your parents are connected by phone, computer and Internet makes keeping touch much easier.

In the hectic pace of today’s life; things can be overwhelming. When you are smashed between the care needs of two additional generations it can be really daunting. Do all you can to minimize the stress; including by the way purchasing a thick, dense, luxurious memory foam bed for you to collapse into at the end of the day. If you aren’t rested and recharged; how in the world can you take care of everyone else? Make certain the filling in the sandwich can reboot, recharge and restore every night; to take on the next day with all your available energy.