You are in the middle of two generations with different needs. The demands of your children are pulling you in one direction. The expectations of your parent or parents is tugging on your other emotional arm. You are officially part of the growing number of sandwich families.
More and more of us are still growing our family when Mom or Dad moves in to our house. Many couples remained after our ’small group’ meeting at church to discuss the changes this situation presents. Everyone completely agreed that it completely alters the home environment.
Our group supports the local senior center. We organized an evening of entertainment with light supper and a silent auction. With the support of local businesses we had quite a collection of items ready for bids.
We did several events to raise funds for the program. We sold chances to win hdtv plasma tvs during the past year. A kitchenaid food processor was the drawing prize for supporting businesses in town. Lots of small appliances were donated to our massive indoor bazaar including a delonghi space heater.
One couple shared the dynamic of having a child and a parent that used diapers. There was lots of talk about the ‘reality check’. Critical grandmothers are not always appreciated by today’s teen. Conflicts can arise from comments about clothes, makeup, and music. One parent talked about the ‘trigger’ words list in their home.
Medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, administering medication, special diets, and other considerations have to be met. Many talked about the clash between ‘generation text’ and their grandparents. Conflict seems to be inevitable. Just as there are more than one problem with sandwich families, there is more than one solution.
We raised funds to begin a respite program. We created an adult day care where our parents can socialize and bond. This provides a few precious hours to spend with the kids, attend an after school activity or just be a couple. There is much more to be accomplished but our community is headed in the right direction.
Everyone who volunteers knows that they deliver more than hot food. They are providing the nourishment of human contact. The volunteer may be the only companionship that person experiences all week. Our ’small group’ is now reaching out to other circles like ours to combine our elder care efforts. We have a formed a vision team to look ahead to identify upcoming needs and consider solutions.