‘Sandwich Generation’ of caregivers is caught in the middle

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION - Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Z and so on and so forth are all defined by age groups. On the other hand, anyone could suddenly find themselves being a part of another demographic, the Sandwich Generation, no matter the age. If you are juggling work, raising children or grandchildren and taking care of parents, then you are a part of the Sandwich Generation―people sandwiched between two sets of dependents.

Impact on caregivers

Caregivers of this generation often neglect their own needs, feel rushed and are increasingly pressed for time.

According to an October 2021 Pew Research Center study, around 23% of U.S. adults have a parent aged 65 or older, are raising at least one child under the age of 18 and are providing financial support to an adult child. Mental Health America reports some sandwiched caregivers experience high levels of financial strain while others report high levels of emotional stress.

The Arbor & The Ivy Assisted Living facility, which has locations in Amherst, Chicopee, Dracut, Greenfield, Stoneham, Stoughton, Taunton and Westfield, also offers a respite or trial stay to give caregivers a short break to recover from illness/surgery or enjoy a little vacation. Parents who partake in this trial stay will reside in a fully furnished apartment with a monthto-month rent plan, receive a chance to enjoy three meals a day prepared by a chef, housekeeping and more. Sara Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, said, “In three generations, our philosophy has never changed and that is to give genuine kindness, care and comfort to everyone. They’re spending their days with like-minded people who have been through the same life experiences that they have been through,” Robertson added.

Roles vary depending on age

Some cultures, Asian for example, consider it a duty and a privilege to care for their elderly loved ones and to discuss challenges of feeling stretched

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION – Before people became familiar with Alzheimer’s or dementia due to a loved one being stricken with either disease, there was once another term often used to describe an elderly person’s mental deterioration: senile. Actually, they all describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities.

Symptoms peak late in the day

However, there is another condition called sundown syndrome which is characterized by agitation and confusion which peaks during late afternoons and evenings. Elderly people with sundowners are filled with panic and exhibit behavioral changes. According to one source, approximately two-thirds of adults with dementia are also affected by sundowning. To be clear, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia with dementia being the umbrella of this cognitive decline.

Caring for a person with sundowners can be extremely taxing. Part of the mission of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, a non-profit organization, is to educate the public and policymakers about issues relating to the care of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association, said this about staff professionals. “These are mission-driving individuals,” she emphasized. “They are inspiring. They are resilient and for all those reasons, I am motivated to do all I can to help support them through a living wage and through opportunities to advance them in their profession.”

Causes are varied

Some of the factors that may influence or contribute to sundowning are:

• Physical changes in the brain, including altered neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers) and melatonin release

• Changes to blood glucose levels and body temperature caused by disrupted circadian rhythms (internal biological clock)

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• Low blood sugar

• Sleep disorders

• Medications

• Environmental factors, overstimulation and minimal exposure to sunlight and overstimulation

• Mental and physical exhaustion

• Unfamiliar or confusing environments

• Increased stress

• Moving to a new environment

When or if it comes times to place a family member in a care facility, it is important to look into everything that matters, including environmental conditions. Is the facility well-staffed? Is there adequate natural lighting so as to cut down any night and day confusion? You might also want to be sure your loved one won’t be awakened at dawn in order to receive a head start in their day. Early risings may contribute to sleep deprivation.

Reducing symptoms

One thing a provider will look for when taking into account the patient’s medical history is delirium. Since delirium is also a disorder characterized as a disturbed state of mind, it must be ruled out as the condition behind the patient’s suffering. Here are some suggestions for reducing sundowning symptoms.

• Plan appointments and activities during daylight hours

• Establish a consistent routine for as much time as possible. Knowing what’s next will help lower anxiety and give a sense of being in control.

• Ensure that bedtime allows plenty of time for rest. Melatonin is a natural food supplement that often helps people fall asleep.

• Include outdoor activities and walks during the day

• Make note of what worsens sundowning in your loved one to identify and reduce triggers

• Reduce stimulation in the evening hours, including limiting electron- ics and caffeine and sugar late in the day

Sundown syndrome is characterized by agitation and confusion which peaks during late afternoons and evenings.

• Offer a larger meal at lunch, smaller one at dinner and no late-night meals. A light snack would be fine.

• Keep adequate lighting in the evening and make sure sleeping arrangements are comfortable. Being surrounded by familiar objects and family photos may have a calming effect, especially when placed in a new environment. Plugging in night lights may help them feel safe as well.

• Identify which soothing activities are well suited for your loved one. Reading a book or listening to music are some options.

Massachusetts has a roster of public and private organizations specializing in helping families dealing with forms of dementia. Caring.com contains a wealth of information regarding memory care for residents of Massachusetts.

‘Sandwich Generation’

Sandwich Generation | from page 17 too thin would be seen as complaining or ungratefulness. Carol Abaya, an aging and elder care expert, breaks down the roles of the sandwich generation as follows:

• The Traditional Sandwich Generation — Adults typically in their 40s or early 50s sandwiched between their elderly parents and their typically adult children who both need financial or other assistance.

• The Club Sandwich Generation

— Older adults in their 50s or 60s who are wedged between aging parents, their adult children and possibly grandchildren. This term can also refer to younger adults in their 30s or 40s who have younger children, elderly parents and aging grandparents.

• The Open-Faced Sandwich Generation — Anyone who’s non-professionally involved in elder care, which is an estimated 25% of individuals at some point in their lives.

Coping strategies

It’s important for members of the Sandwich Generation to commit to self-care or the whole family unit could fall apart. Tips for relieving financial pressures and reducing stress include:

• Consider moving aging parents and/or adult children into your home to help save on costs and pool those resources.

• Look into an identify theft protection service along with a phone system to help keep telemarketers and scam callers at bay.

• Remember, the elderly and children of a certain age enrolled in higher education often qualify for tax benefits and breaks.

• Consider investing in a medical alert system for that extra piece of mind.

• Think about having part-time inhome senior care for a few hours of aid for parents and relief for yourself. More and more adults are finding their living situations changing due to aging parents with health challenges and/or adult children or grandchildren having to live with them. Unfortunately, such circumstances could take a toll on the caregiver’s own health and finances and can lead to resentment. Therefore, it may be a good idea to seek out a support group particularly geared towards the Sandwich Generation. Such relatable groups can be found online if not locally.