Advice | Everyday Cheapskate
A lovely new assisted living complex is under construction close to where I live. As beautiful as this place is, it has become a daily reminder of how difficult it can be to talk to aging parents about their health and future needs.
If you’re 40 or older, you’re part of the sandwich generation, which refers to middle-aged individuals who feel pressured to support both aging parents and adult children. You likely fall into one of these categories:
TRADITIONAL SANDWICH
Those being squeezed between the needs of aging parents, relatives or friends while also supporting and meeting the demands of their own children, spouses and careers.
CLUB SANDWICH
Those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren. Or, those in their 30s and 40s with young children, aging parents and grandparents.
DOUBLE-STUFFED SANDWICH
Those whose adult, post-college kids return home to live with their parents for lack of employment, direction and/or money. Also known as the “boomerangs.”
OPEN-FACED SANDWICH
Anyone else involved in elder care on one side and others in need of support on the other.
Of my husband’s and my friends, I would estimate at least half are either caring for elderly parents or supporting adult children and grandchildren. And, in most cases, some or all have actually moved in with them.
Surveys suggest that today’s baby boomers (adults born from 1946 to 1964) will likely spend more years caring for a parent than rearing, caring for and supporting their own children. And these days, parents care for their children for at least 20 years.
In the same way a trip to the dental hygienist can prevent a painful procedure down the road, a conversation with your parents about aging will be worth it to help preserve a future you both can handle. The longer you wait to talk with them about the future, the fewer choices you may have down the line and the more it may cost to get them the care they need.
The way you approach the subject will have a huge effect on whether your parents are willing to accept your help. Here are a few guidelines to help you get this conversation started:
LISTEN
Don’t miss an opportunity to talk about the future. Listen to your parents and ask questions. Avoid telling them what to do, no matter how tempting it may be. Get the conversation going earlier rather than later.
BE PATIENT
Your parents have been biting their collective tongue for years as they have dealt with you. Now it’s your turn to be patient and give them time to think over their alternatives. Major decisions won’t get made during one casual phone call.
EXPECT SILENCE
Don’t expect quick responses to your questions. This may be one of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Give them time to process, think and ponder.
DON’T ASSUME
Don’t make assumptions. Above all, do not mistake indecision for lack of interest. You can be fairly certain that they’ve been thinking about this a lot longer than you have. But it’s easy to put it off when the future appears to be so far away.
GET HELP
It’s all right if you don’t know what you’re doing. Your willingness to assist your parents is a big step. Dare to ask for help.
LAUGH
Don’t lose your sense of humor. It will keep you happy and sane in the years to come.
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