A Resource Guide for Sandwich Generation Families: Where to Turn When You Need Help
When you’re in the sandwich generation, you’re always on the run. Between your kid’s activities, your own appointments and workload, and now appointments or needs for your aging parents, it’s time to find support to help you navigate it all.
There are many organizations whose entire purpose is to help families exactly like yours.
Your State’s Department of Aging
Every state has a government agency dedicated to older adults and their caregivers. This is a good first step if you want to start researching who can help. Need someone that can help with transportation? Have questions on Medicare? What about in-home care? This agency’s staff can help you with these types of questions and so many more.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
Underneath each state’s department of aging is a network of local Area Agencies on Aging. These can really connect you to the services you need. Financial questions, legal needs? These agencies deal with complicated questions and have probably heard it all. Give them a call.
Elder Law Attorneys
When a parent is downsizing, moving into assisted living, or simply getting older, there are legal and financial matters to discuss. Elder law attorneys specialize in the needs of aging adults and their families. From healthcare directives to wills, these attorneys are the experts. If finances are an issue, look for free or low-cost legal aid options in your state.
Financial Planners
There are professionals who specialize in elder care finances. Asset management, benefits, the list is endless when it comes to finances. If this is a source of stress, call someone who can give you the guidance you need.
Caregiver Support
Caregiving is emotionally demanding and many states offer programs and support groups to help you through this time. From respite care to financial reimbursement questions and everything in between, these programs recognize that a caregiver needs to put themselves first, so they can take care of everyone else around them.
Mental Health Professionals
It’s easy to put your own mental health last when everyone around you needs something. There are therapists and counselors who specialize in caregiver stress, grief and life transitions.
Senior Move Managers
These pros can help sort belongings, coordinate movers, manage estate sales or donations and set up a new living space. The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the professional organization for this field and offers a searchable directory to find a certified member in your area.
Nonprofit & Community Organizations
Local community organizations can be a lifesaver for someone in the sandwich generation. They can connect you to meal delivery programs, visitor services, transportation assistance, handyman services, courses, support groups, etc. Calling 211 (available in most areas) is a quick way to find out what community-based resources are available to you.
We know that one of the most immediate, practical challenges sandwich generation families face is simply the question of space.
Where do a parent’s belongings go during a transition? Guardian Storage is proud to offer secure, climate-controlled storage across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Colorado with friendly teams who understand that what you’re storing isn’t just furniture, it’s a lifetime of memories. Find a location near you at guardianstorage.com.
