If you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” or the generation with children at home and a elder parent in need of care, then you probably spend each day wearing several hats. This is doubly true if you spend your day working, and your evenings caring for both your children and parents. Consequently, many people in the sandwich generation find themselves frustrated when they have brothers, sisters, and other family members—seemingly, with fewer responsibilities—who refuse to provide help. Unfortunately, the best advice for you here may be to simply let those feelings of frustration go.
If you persist in beating yourself up about your so called “failure” to solicit the help of another family member, then not only will you heap frustrations on an already trying situation, you will more than likely just invite distress into the lives of those for whom you’re trying to provide care. In the midst of all the errands, meal preparations, carpooling, and trips to the doctor, you’ve got to make sure you ease up enough to take care of yourself. You may find that you’re better off once you’ve given up the ghost of soliciting the help of a family member, and doing so may allow you to explore options that you may have not considered previously, such as “adopting,” so to speak, someone to be apart of your family—a close friend, for instance—to help with a few items around the house.
It may be, however, that you have a family member who’s not only refusing to offer support, but also interfering with your ability to provide your loved one with proper care.
For instance, you may have a family member who you feel treats your loved one in a manner that you find abusive and whose presence creates anxiety and confusion. If you find yourself in such a situation, then should speak with an Ohio elder law attorney as soon as possible.
