The "Sandwich Generation" is dealing with one of the most elaborate juggling acts – caring for an elderly parent, parenting their own children while working a full time job. Nearly 66 million Americans are care givers and the average care giver is 49 year old woman who not only holds down a job but also spends about 19 hours a week providing care to a loved one.

Introduction

The Sandwich Generation

• More than 65 million Americans provide care to a disabled or aged friend or family member.

• The vast majority of caregivers – nearly 90% - are family members.• 30% of caregivers care for more than one person.• The average duration of caregiving is more than 4 years.• The proportion of adult children providing personal care and/or financial

assistance to a parent has more than tripled over the past 15 years. • The total estimated aggregate lost wages, pension, and Social Security

benefits of these caregivers of parents is nearly $3 trillion.• In total, the cost impact of caregiving on the individual female caregiver in

terms of lost wages and Social Security benefits equals $324,044.• 37% of caregivers had to reduce their work hours or quit their jobs to

handle their care responsibilities.

2

Eldercare Options

• Adult day care• Assisted living

Independent Living Memory Support Units

• In-home care• Skilled Nursing Facility (Nursing

Home)

Long-term care costsService Monthly Annually

24 x 7 Home Care $18,720 $224,640

12 x 7 Home Care $9,360 $112,320

8 x 7 Home Care $6,420 $74,880

Assisted Living $4,645 $55,740

Nursing Home/Rehab $10,500 $126,000

Adult Day Care (8 x 5) $2,200 $26,400

Home care costs assume a nurse’s aide at $26 per hour. Adult day care assumes $100 per day including meals. Assisted living and nursing home costs taken from averages of the MetLife Market Survey of Long Term Care Costs.

4

5

A Geriatric Care Manager.... Is a health and human services specialist who helps

families who are caring for older relatives Is trained and experienced in any of several fields

related to care management, including, nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care

Is an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic needs, including helping those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s or exhibiting symptoms of dementia

Caregiving from a distance? Find out what they need. Before visiting, talk to them about what tasks you might

be able to assist with during your trip. Does he or she need to go shopping or is there something at the house that needs to be fixed?

Schedule appointments. Accompany him or her on a doctor's appointment during your visit. This will give you an opportunity to discuss their health, medications and any other questions you might have. Take notes on the doctor's recommendations. Ask the doctor to suggest any helpful community resources. Consider making appointments with their lawyer and financial adviser, too.

Look for signs of problems. During your visit, check to see how well they are managing daily tasks. Are they able to drive safely, eat regular meals, keep up with personal grooming and pay their bills? Ask their friends and neighbors if they've noticed any behavioral changes, health problems or safety issues.

Set aside quality time. Watch a movie , take him or her to visit friends or family. Offer to play a game of cards. Simple activities can help you relax and enjoy your time together.

AARP aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/ Genworth caregiving.genworth.com Your local Council on Aging (MA), DEA (RI), or AAA (CT) National Family Caregivers Association nfcacares.org Family Caregiver Alliance caregiver.org Mindingyourelders.com Agingcare.com Caring.com Ourparents.com Children of Aging Parents (CAPS) National Institute on Aging National Alliance for Caregiving caregiving.org National Aging in Place Council Alzheimer’s Association ****24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900**** Mayo Clinic mayoclinic.com/health/caregivers/

Helpful Resources