Aging Resource Center Offers Sandwich Generation Event

SOUTHBURY — “Caught in The Sandwich Generation? — 3 Generations Bound by Caring” is a free educational program for adults who are “sandwiched” between caring for their families as well as their aging parents. The informative program will be held Thursday, July, 14 at The Watermark at East Hill, 611 East Hill Road, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Organized by The Aging in Place Resource Center of Southbury, and hosted by at The Watermark at East Hill, the event is open to family caregivers and their parents.

“This event will bring the community and families together to heighten awareness of the special needs of the Sandwich Generation, adults caring for their own children plus their own aging parents,” said event coordinator Todd Schuck, certified aging in place specialist, and co-founder of The Aging In Place Resource Center of Southbury. “We want to spotlight community support and resources available to those working so hard to maintain multigenerational families.”

The program is being held in July as part of the national Sandwich Generation Month. Events will be held throughout the United States to commemorate and celebrate the dedication, patience, and caring of adults who are part of the Sandwich Generation

In 2009 former governor Jodi Rell signed a proclamation for Connecticut residents to recognize July as Sandwich Generation Month.

“Despite the everyday struggles and exhaustion associated with caring for children under age 21 and aging parents, members of the Sandwich Generation have gracefully continued their care of those closest to them,” commented Mr Schuck. “Many of these family caregivers are completely unaware of the support, options, and resources available to them, whether they need a break for hours or 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It is time for communities to work together to aid in support and care of our aging population.”

According to the Pew Research Center, just more than one of every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for an aging parent, in addition to between seven to ten million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance.

The US Census Bureau statistics indicate that the number of older Americans aged 65 or older will double by the year 2030, to more than 70 million.

The July 14 educational program at The Watermark at East Hill in Southbury will feature speakers who include: Julia M. Brown, certified elder law attorney; Jane Brubaker, Connecticut Community Care Inc; Barbara Stevens, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association; and Mr Schuck.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Space is limited. For more information, and to reserve a seat, call the Aging In Place Resource Center at 877-262-1671.

Sandwich Generation Month originated from Philadelphia. To learn more, visit www.SandwichGenerationMonth.com.