Help for The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Aging Parents
Millions of Americans are members of the "Sandwich Generation," adults who care for aging parents while raising their own children. Statistics show that their numbers will only increase as the nation's senior population continues to grow larger with men and women living longer than ever before. Distance can add to the challenges these caregivers face, with families often living hundreds or thousands of miles apart.
If you are considering a Personal Alarm for your parents, you may be wondering about the best way to introduce the idea to them. Talking with parents about their own independence is not easy. After all, as children, we become used to our parents caring for us and watching out for us. So when it comes time for us to do the same for our parents, it can seem overwhelming.
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, the National Center on Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the United States nearly 30 percent (10.9 million) of non-institutionalized older persons live alone (7.9 million women, 2.9 million men); half of older women (49%) age 75+ live alone.
Statistics from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Medical Association and the Consumer Safety Product Council show the majority of injuries and hospitalizations for people 65 years and older are the result of falls in and around the home and that 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will suffer a major fall each year. Getting help quickly to a person injured in a fall is critically important to their survival and recovery.
"A personal alarm system is a wonderful way for seniors and those who live alone to be safe and to have help immediately should they ever need it," says Russell Poore, CEO of Alert1, a leading national provider of personal alarm systems and services. "When they need emergency medical attention or simply to contact a loved one or neighbor, help is always just a touch away, 24 hours a day. That means peace of mind for you and your loved ones."
Tips for Talking With Parents
Many members of the Sandwich Generation have difficulty adjusting to the "reversed roles" they face as they find themselves required to make decisions for their parents. In fact, the toughest part of staying connected with your parents with a personal alarm system may be their reluctance to discuss the subject. Some may reject the idea as an infringement on their independence, too costly or simply unnecessary.
To help you discuss the benefits of a Personal Alarm with your parents, Alert1 has put together some tips that may help having conversations like this one be open, honest, and productive.
- Find a time and place to talk where you and your parents feel comfortable—and be sure you have enough time to have a discussion without feeling rushed. Once you get started, you may find that you have a lot to talk about.
- Listen, listen, listen. Ask your parents what their plans are for the future. Chances are, maintaining independence is an important part of those plans. When you recognize this shared goal, you may find introducing the idea of a personal alarm system like Alert1 easier.
- Be positive and remind your parents that this is a decision that you are making as a family. Avoid speaking to them in a way that makes them feel as if you are trying to "parent" them. Visit the Alert1 web site or look through the Alert1 brochure together.
- If the conversation doesn't seems to be going well, don't rush it and try not to get frustrated. You can always talk again at another time.
- There are many resources online with suggestions about talking with older parents. The AARP web site (www.aarp.org) is a great place to start. Also, you may wish to speak with friends—they may have good insights from their experiences with their own parents.
Don't wait for your parents to fall or have a health crisis to start this conversation. As we stated above, 1 in 3 people over 65 will have a major fall each year and that increases to 1 in 2 by the time a senior reaches 80. Seniors with medical alarms have fewer hospital admissions and shorter stays – meaning a better quality of life.
You can help your parents maintain their independent lifestyle. Speak with them soon about an Alert1 Personal Alarm—you'll be glad you did. For more information about Alert1 personal alarm systems, call 1-866-581-4540 or visit www.Alert1.com.