How Nomo Gives Sandwich Generation Caregivers the Support They Need
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation
Welcome to the sandwich generation, where caregiving is the bridge between generations. Sandwich generation caregivers are raising children while supporting aging parents who need increasing care and attention. It requires flexibility, the ability to adapt and prioritize, and lots of patience. This type of caregiving redefines what care means, and the emotional weight can be heavy. But it's also a testament to your strength and dedication to your family if you are trying to manage it.
What is the Sandwich Generation?
Sandwich generation caregivers are caught in the middle between their aging parents' needs and their children’s at the same time. The balancing act they find themselves coping with can be exhausting. The emotional toll this takes can be significant because time, resources, and energy are stretched thin. But many sandwich caregivers feel a sense of duty to their family.
Why is it Called the Sandwich Generation?
The phrase “sandwich generation” was created in the early 1980s by social worker Dorothy Miller, who described people who care for both their aging parents and their children. This phrase originated from the feeling of being squeezed between two layers of responsibility, reflecting the demands of trying to meet both parents' and children’s emotional, financial, and physical needs. Sandwich caregivers are the central support system and often pulled in two directions, with little time for themselves. The phrase highlights why reliable support systems for sandwich caregivers are so essential.
The Most Common Causes of Sandwich Generation Stress
One of the biggest sources of sandwich generation stress is constantly trying to juggle a variety of responsibilities. The pressure to do it all can cause burnout, especially if there are limited resources, support systems, or when expectations feel impossible to meet. Those who work full-time, manage households, and provide hands-on care for both elderly parents and kids can frequently feel overwhelmed and experience anxiety and fatigue. The challenges of coordinating care for seniors, navigating healthcare systems, and making difficult decisions regarding finances and living arrangements can be extremely stressful. Without adequate support systems or time for self-care, the weight and pressure felt when managing these responsibilities can take its toll.
Why is it So Hard to Get Sandwich Generation Support?
Getting support as a member of the sandwich generation can be challenging because the role is misunderstood. They’re not just caregivers for aging parents or parents of young children, they’re both, simultaneously. The lack of sandwich generation support makes many caregivers feel invisible, even while they carry the weight of two generations. The stress can cause missed workdays, financial strain, and late-night worry. The caregiving they provide is often assumed, unpaid, and frequently unrecognized. The result is a growing population of caregivers who have to manage both complex roles without guidance or relief.
Top Ways Nomo Can Help Relieve Sandwich Generation Caregiver Stress
If you’re wondering how best to help the sandwich generation, Nomo lightens the burden of their stress by offering a reliable safety net for aging loved ones. Using proven home monitoring systems for the elderly can reduce the mental load caregivers may feel each day. Sending automatic real-time alerts for falls, missed medications, or unusual activity, caregivers can stay informed about their loved ones' behaviors, allowing them to be notified when something needs more attention. When Nomo is installed in the home environment, caregivers can receive alerts through the app, monitor health data from connected devices, and share responsibilities and information through a Nomo Care Circle. This smart support allows caregivers to free up time and emotional energy for their children, careers, and themselves, providing relief and alleviating worry.
The Many Uses of Nomo Smart Care
With the pressure and complexity involved in supporting family members at opposite ends of life, the Nomo Smart Care System is a smart solution to help caregivers stay informed about their aging parents' activities and emergencies that might arise. Features like motion-triggered night lights and wearable emergency tags add layers of safety, reduce fall risks, and catch small shifts in their routine before issues escalate and become a more worrisome concern. It can also sync with medical devices to monitor blood pressure and temperature. Without the use of intrusive cameras, Nomo Smart Care offers a reliable balance between safety and autonomy. Knowing extra help is accessible with Nomo can provide caregivers with the added reassurance that they can stay connected with their aging parents, so they will be safe.