How Companionship Services Benefit 'The Sandwich Generation'

What is the Sandwich Generation?

The 'sandwich generation' refers to a stage in life where people have the responsibilities of both school aged children and older parents or grandparents. As the term suggests you are like the filling in the middle of the sandwich, navigating both your children's developmental needs on one side and parents' increasing health needs on the other. Additionally, many in the sandwich generation are at the top of their careers adding additional stress and responsibility.

At this stage in life, you want to give back to your parents and assist them in their time of need. However, you very quickly become time-poor. The feelings of 'juggling' and 'spinning plates' become commonplace. Days are spent trying to find some balance in what has suddenly become a hectic existence and feelings of guilt and worry become second nature. It is common to feel that you are not doing enough to support your parents or elderly relative.

The stress associated with being in this situation should not be underestimated. Reaching out for help is crucial to prevent caregiver stress and burnout.

How Our Companionship Service Can Help You Achieve Balance in Life

The good news is, we are here to help by effectively becoming an extra layer in 'the sandwich', providing a reassuring presence to both you and your loved one. Our support aims to free up your time for some much needed rest and relaxation.

The benefits of companionship care for the 'sandwich generation' include the following:

• Respite: Our service allows you to go about your day, knowing that your loved one is being well looked after in your absence. This enables you to relax and take some much needed time out for yourself, providing you with quality time and improving overall wellbeing.

• Shared Responsibility and Support System: Knowing someone else is there to support you who understands what you are going through provides reassurance and peace of mind. In addition to regular hours, we offer ad hoc services, (subject to availability) and are just a text or phone call away. Our service is confidential, and we are here to listen to your concerns and help in any way we can.

• Managing Daily Tasks: Allow us to take care of some of the monotonous tasks around your loved ones house, so that when you visit, instead of helping out with chores, you can spend quality time with them instead.

• Bespoke Service: Our service is tailored to individual clients needs. If your loved one needs help with housework and shopping one day and gardening another, our service is interchangeable

• Enhanced Well Being: Freeing up some time helps to restore the balance. Our support means you can choose to visit less often, safe in the knowledge that we will visit as often as required. Many of our clients' relatives have found that when they do visit, they are more relaxed and the time is more enjoyable for everyone. Knowing that someone else cares and that your loved one is in good hand helps to improve both physical and mental health for all concerned.

Overall we can help to ease the worry by making sure that your loved ones are getting the support they need. At Befriending Betty, we will treat your loved one like a member of the family. From experience, we know that with our support you will start to feel more in control of your life again. Your loved ones will also reap the benefits of having more regular contact and companionship.

To find out more about how we can support you and help you to get your life back on track please give us a call on 07585531990