Anonymous, Age 69
I turn 70 next month. You talk about flourishing, while I’m feeling rather trapped instead. I’m caring for my ninety year old mother who needs help with everything. My brother is willing to contribute financially, but he says he’s not comfortable ministering to Mom’s personal needs. How are other women dealing with these issues? So many of our parents are living into their nineties and even beyond. I need advice and some help!
We know what you mean about the challenges of caring for parents in need. We are not personally facing those issues currently, as Ellen’s dad lives in a setting with supports and Jane’s parents have died. But we know many women who share your concerns. Ours is more than a sandwich generation. It’s more like a Club sandwich…care for parents, and often assisting with grandchildren as well. So many in our cohort are seeking ideas for managing all these responsibilities. We hope those with thoughts on this subject, and strategies to share, will add their comments.
Jane and Ellen