the sandwich generation

What is the sandwich generation?

Originally coined in 1981, the sandwich generation refers to individuals who are caring for children as well as ageing parents.

For many grandparents they are not only looking after ageing parents but often grandchildren. While providing support for parents at home or during transition to nursing homes or to their own home, grandparents are babysitting, attending football games or dance recitals of their grandchildren. For some they are the full-time carers of their grandchildren.

Both roles are occurring at the very time many grandmothers and grandfathers are dealing with their own health issues and retirement decision. Challenging times.

For more information check out this article on being in the sandwich generation