To everything there is a time, and a place for every purpose under heaven…
They call them the ‘sandwich years’ – describing the situation of many adults in our days who now have the responsibility not only for raising their children at home, but now are taking care of their aging parents in their declining years. These added stresses can put quite a drain on the soul. Often members of this sandwiched generation will describe their feelings as frustrated, guilty or helpless. I am told that 40%-70% of Caregivers experience clinically significant levels of depression. Even higher levels are experienced when their senior has dementia.
Mary Fitzgibbons from West County Psychological Associates speaks of some resources that are available: (through their office and elsewhere)
Individual, couples and/or family therapy
Grief and loss counseling
Psychological assessments in diagnosing depression, anxiety or other emotional problems
Professional mediation in regard to financial or care-taking disagreements
Consultation with medical, social work or home care professionals already involved with the family
If you would like more information about these possible services, contact Mary at 314-275-8599 or [email protected].
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By happenstance, a friend of mine sent an email which arrived in my inbox tonight as I was writing this column. It was entitled: Walk with me while I age. “I hope this poem has the same effect on you as it did on me. Then my forwarding it will be worth the effort. Walk with me by the water – worth the read.”
A Beautiful poem about growing older.
(underneath was a lovely picture of sunset over still waters with a wooden board walk leading gently from the left corner of the frame and disappearing far to the right horizon, all with a backdrop of lovely pines silhouetted by the diffuse light of the setting sun.)
….
….
..Shoot… I forgot the words.
For all of you in the sandwiched generation, you are not alone. Please know of my prayers, and the prayers of this St. Ann community. Let me know what we can do to help during these days…