Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Sandwich Generation: Help for Oklahoma City Baby Boomers with Older Parents

by Judie Schwerdtfeger

Do you belong to the "Sandwich Generation?"

The Sandwich Generation (typically those between 40 and 60) makes up a huge part of the Baby Boomer demographic in Oklahoma and also includes those people who are 10 years or more TOO young to be considered a Baby Boomer. The Pew Research Center says that one out of every eight Americans (thus one of every eight Oklahomans) is responsible for the care of both their parent and child.



One member of the Sandwich Generation may be 59, living in Edmond, and caring for a 90 year-old parent. Meanwhile, they're paying tuition and costs for a 20 year-old daughter attending Oklahoma State University.

Another may be 47 and caring for a 77 year-old mother in Moore suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's. In their spare time, they juggle the activities of a a 9 year-old daughter in OKC.

If you're a member of the Sandwich Generation and are feeling sandwiched and pressed to the extreme, keep in mind that help is available. 

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional, (an Oklahoma City real estate agent trained to help senior citizens and baby boomers) part of my job is to help boomers and seniors understand their options in senior housing, while also directing the family caregivers to other senior-focused professionals in Oklahoma – businesses I have personally vetted and can recommend for their quality.

In other words, while I'm certainly available to help boomers and seniors in selling or buying a house in Harrah or anywhere in the area, I'm also happy to meet with family caregivers and share with you what I've learned about helping elderly parents in Oklahoma City. It's not about requiring that you hire me as a Realtor or even have a need to sell a house. My goal is to build relationships and help where I can. It's what makes me happy and gives purpose to my day. It's why I've spent so much time gaining education and expertise in how to help baby boomers and senior through late-in-life transitions and moves.




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