The Sandwich Generation's Guide to Eldercare

October 21, 2013
What can you do when you’re lodged between two generations of loved ones who rely on you for their health and financial well-being? Eldercare pros Wickert, Dresden, and Rumrill tackle this tough subject—one they expect will affect tens of millions of more Americans within the next few decades—in this comprehensive guide. With years of experience in the field of rehabilitation counseling, the writers offer substantive details, including how to gently and respectfully open up the eldercare conversation; eye-opening statistics, such as the dwindling sources of income for retirees; detailed worksheets and checklists for selecting the right financial planners and obtaining critical legal documents; and personal stories that illustrate the need to address the long-term care of elder family members sooner rather than later. The book even takes into account timely game changers like Obamacare and its potential influence on Medicare, and needs particular to LGBTQ seniors. The book truly provides everything one needs to gracefully transition a parent or grandparent to the final chapters of their lives with dignity and security. Longer life expectancies and the growing occurrence of age-related dementia, as well as the current economic climate, continue to strain families; using the tools provided here could significantly ease that burden.

October 15, 2013

As baby boomers--those born between 1946 and 1964--enjoy longer life expectancies, their children find themselves becoming caregivers and advocates for both their parents and their children, hence the moniker "sandwich generation." Written by a team of rehabilitation counselors and other health field professionals who also have personal experience with eldercare, this very concise, straightforward, thorough, and well-written guide and tool kit will help those affected to navigate the many legal, practical, and emotional layers of the processes involved. Key chapter topics include "You Are Not Alone" and information on recognizing symptoms, making plans, avoiding burnout, and honing advocacy skills. Useful, preformulated lists include questions to ask when selecting a potential elder law attorney or a facility such as a hospital or nursing home, a Caregiver's Bill of Rights (e.g., "I have the right: to take better care of myself"), how to answer children's questions about their grandparent, and how to advocate for a parent in the hospital. Each chapter offers a detailed "Personal Story" section illustrating the pertinent points in the chapter. VERDICT A very neat package of practical and empowering material specifically written for members of the sandwich generation, intended for professionals and those going through the process with their families.--Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. Lib. Syst., NM

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2013

This work is less emotionally grueling than other books on the topic, making it a superbly objective how-to guide on topics such as caregiver needs. The authors also shed light on the more confusing aspects of government benefits. (LJ 10/15/13)

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.