A Menu of Options for the Sandwich Generation and Their Parents

The Sandwich Generation depicts the layers of responsibility for those we love–our children, grandchildren, aging parents–and we are squeezed in the middle with our careers. Searching for the ever-elusive balance between work, caregiving and home life – the extra layers – can be stressful.

What’s more, you may be noticing changes in mom or dad. A lack of enthusiasm for hobbies or interests they used to enjoy – or can no longer enjoy because of COVID-created barriers. According to a 2021 report from the Centers for Disease Control, loneliness and social isolation are linked to serious health conditions. These conditions can include heart disease, stroke and even premature death. AARP research in 2020 identifies socialization as the number one activity to help older adults maintain or even improve their overall wellness–even more so than maintaining physical fitness.

Are you thinking it is better to have your parents remain in their home and bring caregivers in to attend to their needs? Remember, that brings its own challenges. Staffing and managing care workers around the clock can become a time-consuming job.

Consider the enriching life older adults can experience when moving to the right senior community and the safety and the assurance of future care, if needed, right on campus. They may find a great deal of peace of mind knowing they are living in a safe, healthy, enriching environment.

Saint John’s On The Lake is known for offering an independent lifestyle for active seniors who want freedom to choose their daily activities and experiences. As a Continuum of Care community, Saint John’s celebrates every chapter of life around your individual wellness and needs.  We recognize some residents may prefer a hybrid arrangement – a blending of Independent Living and Assisted Living. At Saint John’s, we call it “Independent Living Plus”. This new model of care offers an independent lifestyle with catered concierge services available 24/7 to meet the individual resident’s needs.

Our York Independent Living Plus neighborhood features 16 apartment homes offering peace of mind to independent living residents who might benefit from knowing a caregiver is always available 24/7. If needed, certified nursing assistants are available 24 hours a day to aid with bathing, dressing and grooming, medication management and more.

Otherwise, your life is your own to live as you like. A daily continental breakfast is provided along with bi-weekly housekeeping and laundry services. All of the amenities and enrichment of the campus are available to the resident, who may choose to prepare meals in their apartments or dine in The Bistro or Taylor’s Restaurant.

Moving to a senior community like Saint John’s offers a full continuum of care – Independent Living, Assisted Living, support for Memory Loss and Skilled Nursing Care.  This type of support can be a life saver for everyone.

It can be a gift to you, too, especially if you are juggling home care and work life and trying to be the caregiver for your parents! There is often a renewed quality of life for the resident, making new friends, rekindling lost friendships, and renewing or pursuing new hobbies. A 2019 study from Innovation in Aging shows friendships are as important as family ties in predicting the psychological well-being of older adults.

Before helping your parents move to a senior community, it is important to do your homework. Check out multiple communities and explore whether the community has the support and amenities your mom or dad would enjoy.