The Sandwich Generation: Navigating the Caregiving Crunch

In health care settings, the body gets medical attention, but the mind and soul matter, too. Older adults in medical care face a battery of health questions, but too often the most consequential one goes unasked and unanswered: What does a good day look like for you today?Medicare requires people to receive a spiritual assessment within their first five days of admission into hospice. Many states allow a nurse to conduct the initial spiritual assessment, but I think it helps both the person and the health care provider for the assessment to be done with someone who has theological training. Many have been certified in clinical pastoral education, or CPE. Nurses can get so focused on the technical to-do lists of medical work  the measurements, the tests, the drug regimens that it can be hard to make time for the issues that matter most to the living human, namely, their happiness, peace and contentment.  As a spiritual care provider with 17 years in senior care facilities, and as a chaplain in the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard, I have counseled hundreds of people in the final days of their lives.  For older adults and their families, one of the most valuable resources is also little-known a Medicare option that provides spiritual counseling for people in hospice. Longing for ConversationToo often older adults in care are being talked at, not listened to. Many times, I've found that people in the last chapter of life want to discuss their path to the end more than their medical professionals and, especially, more than their loved ones.  It often helps to have that discussion with a professional who is trained to hear them, and, if requested, to comfort and advise them.  RecommendedOpinion: Why I Went on Hospice Even Though I'm Not Dying | Personal PerspectivesThe code of ethics for the leading chaplain and spiritual care associations all prohibit proselytizing. A spiritual care provider should be able to work with someone on their own terms, no matter their beliefs. The United States may be turning more secular, but the fact remains that older adults are the most faith-affiliated of any demographic age group.This initial spiritual meeting is likely to be about the basics: Is the person religious? What is their support system? Will a certain faith-based ritual bring meaning or comfort? Do they have a preferred faith leader? Or is a secular discussion a better fit for the person's beliefs? 

Guardianship is a serious legal process that serves as a last resort for caring for an elderly parent who can no longer make sound decisions for themselves. It requires a court hearing and confirmation of incapacity by medical providers.What is Guardianship?Guardianship means an individual is appointed by the court to make medical decisions and manage daily care for an elderly parent. This typically occurs when an elderly parent:Is diagnosed with cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer's diseaseHas suffered brain injuriesExperiences serious health conditions that impair decision-making abilitiesKey Considerations in GuardianshipEmotional ChallengesDeciding to pursue guardianship often involves mixed emotions. Adult children may feel uncomfortable, especially if family members disagree about the necessity of guardianship.Legal RequirementsTo establish guardianship, documentation must be submitted to the court that:Substantiates the degree of cognitive impairmentProvides evidence of poor decision-makingIncludes a medical assessment, potentially a neuropsychological evaluationTypes of GuardianshipGuardian ResponsibilitiesMake medical decisionsManage daily careAdvocate for the elderly parent's best interestsFollow the principle of substituted judgment (making decisions the parent would make)ConservatorshipIn most situations, a conservator is also appointed to manage money and property. This can be the same person as the guardian or a separate individual.Challenges of GuardianshipAdvocacy and Medical InteractionsGuardians must:Navigate complex healthcare systemsCommunicate with medical professionalsUnderstand and research medical conditionsMake thorough, prudent decisionsFamily DynamicsGuardianship can create:Potential conflicts between family membersDisagreements about care and spendingEmotional stress that may damage relationshipsState-Specific ConsiderationsGuardianship laws and terminology vary by state. Some states have:Different definitions of guardianshipVarying availability of professional guardiansUnique legal frameworks for elder careImportance of PreparationRecommended StepsHave early discussions about care preferencesDocument the elderly parent's wishesUnderstand the full scope of guardianship responsibilitiesSeek support and resources for caregiversAs the population ages and chronic diseases become more prevalent, understanding guardianship becomes increasingly important for families caring for elderly parents.

For seniors, the prospect of moving can bring a whirlwind of emotionsexcitement about new beginnings and anxiety about leaving behind a cherished home. At A Call to Order, we understand that a move is not just about relocating belongings; its about transitioning to a space that feels like home again. Our mission is to help seniors navigate this significant life change with compassion, care, and a focus on comfort. In this blog, well explore how to make a senior move an experience that truly feels like coming home, filled with warmth, connection, and peace of mind.Understanding the Emotional Landscape of MovingMoving can evoke a series of feelingsnostalgia, anxiety, and even joy. The home is a tapestry of memories, and leaving it can feel daunting. Here are some emotions seniors may experience during this transition:Nostalgia: Each corner of the home holds memories of special momentsbirthdays, anniversaries, quiet evenings with loved ones. The thought of leaving these behind can be heartbreaking.Anxiety: The unknowns of a new environment can lead to significant worry. Seniors often fear the challenges of adjusting to a new community, making friends, or navigating different routines.Overwhelm: The logistics of sorting through a lifetime of belongings can be daunting. The sheer volume of items can feel chaotic, leading to stress and confusion about where to start.At A Call to Order, we recognize these feelings and strive to create a moving experience that addresses these emotions head-on. With our compassionate, personalized approach, we help seniors build connections in their new space while honoring the memories they are leaving behind.Tips for Creating a Comfortable MoveMoving can be a comforting experience rather than a source of stress. Here are some actionable tips to ensure that every senior move feels like the start of a new chapter filled with warmth and comfort:1. Start with a Memory JourneyBefore diving into packing, take a moment to reflect on special memories associated with the home. Create a memory wall or scrapbook that showcases photographs and stories connected to various aspects of life in the house. Seniors can celebrate the good times and recognize that while the objects may leave, the memories can be cherished forever. This emotional exercise can help bring a sense of closure and gratitude before transitioning.2. Involve Loved OnesEncourage seniors to involve family members in the moving process. Having loved ones by their side can turn what might feel like a daunting task into an opportunity for connection. Together, they can sift through belongings, share stories, and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and reminds seniors that they have support during significant life changes.3. Prioritize the EssentialsPacking can quickly become overwhelming, so its crucial to approach it with a clear plan. Help seniors identify the items that are truly essential for their new spacethose that provide comfort and utility. Consider creating a must-have box that includes favorite blankets, important documents, treasured photos, and everyday essentials. Having personal items at their fingertips when they move in can instantly make the new space feel familiar and welcoming.4. Visualize the New SpaceEncourage seniors to visualize how their belongings will fit into their new home. Create a floor plan that includes familiar pieces of furniture from their previous home. This exercise allows them to envision what their new living space will look like and where treasured items will go. Visualization helps ease anxiety and enhances excitement about setting up a new sanctuary.5. Honor the TransitionTransitioning possessions doesnt have to mean letting go of cherished belongings. Suggest creating a comfort box filled with items that evoke positive memoriesfamily heirlooms, comforting blankets, or beloved books. This box can go to the new home and serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of love and history that has been woven throughout their lives.6. Seek Professional SupportPartnering with professional organizers, like A Call to Order, can significantly ease the moving process for seniors. Our compassionate team specializes in senior moves, understanding the emotional nuances and logistical challenges that come with them. We provide hands-on support in organizing, packing, and unpacking, ensuring we honor the past while creating a comfortable and welcoming new atmosphere. Our aim is to transform the logistical burden into an organized and positive experience.Embracing a New ChapterAt A Call to Order, we believe that every move should be a celebration of new beginningsa fresh start filled with warmth and familiarity. By approaching the transition with love and compassion, we support seniors in creating a new home that feels just as comfortable as the old one. Every box unpacked is a step forward, every memory honored is a stepping stone, and every moment embraced is a reminder that no matter where we go, love is what truly makes a house a home.If you or a loved one is preparing for a move, let A Call to Order guide you through the process with care. Together, we can ensure that your journey toward comfort is filled with hope, connection, and the essence of home, making it feel like coming home again.