Karen Smith, RN Health Sciences Instructor Shelby Co' ATC Email: Karen'Smithky'gov

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KY Tech Health Tip
Caught in the Middle - Caring for Elderly
Parents
My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding
anniversary last year, which is a major
accomplishment for any couple in todays world.
However, I remember when my parents celebrated
their 25th anniversary and I thought they were
well on their way to AARP by that time. Little
did we know that the older we get, the younger
they seem! Now my parents have celebrated their
55th anniversary and have developed some health
issues that required my attention. As their
healthcare surrogate, I have found myself in the
middle of caring for aging parents along with one
daughter who is still in high school.
Carol Abaya, a nationally syndicated writer, has
coined the phrase the sandwich generation. I
am not unique in my situation. Many of you may
find yourselves in the same situation. Ms. Abaya
has developed a website and offers low cost
pamphlets to address a variety of issues for
those in this predicament. If you have questions
on how to be the provider for aging parents and
children who still need your care, you may find
this site helpful. Visit www.sandwichgeneration.
com Being in the middle of caring for both
age extremes may cause stress in your life.
Gaining information and learning from others who
have been where you are will help decrease the
stress involved in becoming the meat in the
middle of this generational sandwich.
Health Tip 56February 6, 2006
Karen Smith, RNHealth Sciences InstructorShelby
Co. ATCE-mail Karen.Smith_at_ky.gov