In recent years, my husband and I found ourselves in the sandwich generation, juggling the responsibilities of raising our daughter and caring for my mom. While I cherish the opportunity to invest in the next generation and support the one that raised me, it hasn’t been an easy journey. Adapting our home life to accommodate my mom’s needs has been a significant adjustment, and her health challenges have strained our family bonds.

Navigating my role as a caregiver for my mom has been an eye-opening experience, revealing our lack of preparedness in terms of her finances and health decisions. Dealing with the complexities of insurance regulations, their connection to financial matters, and making long-term care choices has been overwhelming. Lovingly caring for a parent who may not remember herself can be both daunting and frightening, especially while also raising my daughter. To those who find themselves in the sandwich generation, I want to acknowledge your struggles and let you know that I understand.

Throughout this journey, I’ve gained insights, particularly on the administrative side of things. If you’re facing similar challenges, please reach out to me, and we can find a suitable time to discuss how to support your parents, set your children up for success, and plan for your own retirement. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but together we can tackle what we don’t know and learn and grow from there.

I vividly remember the isolating experience of researching my mom’s insurance details and piecing together her financial documents alone. You don’t have to bear this burden by yourself. If you need assistance or just someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. Even if it’s not me, find someone trustworthy; you are not alone.

As a source of encouragement, I can share that we now have all the necessary paperwork in place for my mom. This preparation allows us to face the inevitable with a plan in hand, sparing us the last-minute scramble during difficult times. Witnessing the bond between my daughter and her grandma, a connection I missed with my own grandparents, has been a heartening aspect. My mom’s health challenges have prompted my husband and me to prioritize our own health and financial readiness.

To all those in the sandwich generation, stay encouraged and remember you are not alone.