If you are between 40 and 65 years of age you may the jam in what's called the Sandwich Generation.
That means you are caregiver for a child or young adult on one end of the spectrum and an aging parent on the other.
The main ingredient of this sandwich is frustration.
So say two of the founders of the Barrie Sandwich Generation group. which offers support, resources and guidance.
Katherine Parent says she found herself needing somewhere to vent as she was trying to juggle the demands of graduating children, family life, a business and the health needs of an aging father struggling with Alzheimers.
"I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This is a transitional stage of life. You may be dealing with raising young children or young adults starting their lives but balancing responsibilities or you may have grandchildren or aging parents in the latter stages of life. I was finding myself sharing my story with friends or co-workers who were then saying they were in the same situations and dealing with similar concerns. We decided there needed to be an informal support group in the community."
She joined with Janet Morozuk who had been dealing with a sister, mother and father, all with life threatening issues at the same time."
"It's an emotional roller coaster but we have found we can all learn from each other's situations. It is gratifying to see how people have coped and then share their experiences to help others."
Once a month, the initial six members all of whom are also small business owners in the community meet for a morning meeting where they update each other on their current situations.
Parent says, "We only give each other 60 seconds for venting. Then we move on to ideas on coping and solutions. We've had speakers including chiropractors, personal support workers, geriatric emergency nurses and others who spoke on equipment and services and wills and estates. We share a lot of knowledge."
Morozuk explains, "You just don't know how to navigate the system unless and until you're in it. You realize health care agencies are so stretched. I don't think there are enough caregiver resources in the community. There's a big push for seniors to stay in their own homes but not enough resources for that to happen. The caseworkers/caregivers are given a very limited amount of time to work with a patient and they change constantly. I see a lack of continuity and communication."
Parent agrees, "If the senior doesn't have an advocate, it can be a disaster."
Self care is the the topic of the June 25 meeting (7:45 to 9 a.m.) to be held at Suite Success at 411 Huronia Rd., Unit 5.
There is no cost and anyone is welcome to attend.
Parent believes the group will expand because "this issue is not going away. There is a lot of fear and frustration but after each meeting the members say they feel better. Sometimes all it takes is to be heard."
To connect with the Barrie Sandwich Generation go to their Facebook page.
