Radio Smart Talk for Tuesday, March 22:
As health care and lifestyle improvements allow more people to live longer, the last 30 years or so have seen the development of a new challenge – what's known as "The Sandwich Generation" – the term refers to those among us who care for our children, while at the same time, finding ourselves caring for – in various capacities – our aging parents.
We'll discuss some of these challenges, and seek information about practical ideas - and services – from Dr. Linda Rhodes, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging. She's the author of Finding Your Way: A Practical Guide for Family Caregivers, and has been a caregiver for her own parents. We'll also talk with Lesley Davis, a licensed professional counselor at PinnacleHealth, and Eliza Booth, a woman currently facing this challenge first-hand, as she cares for her household, as well as other older relatives.
For more resources, go to www.lindarhodescaregiving.com.
Read more about the Sandwich Generation in the March issue of Central PA Magazine:
http://www.witf.org/news/real/7146-practical-caregiving-march-2011
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Now, however, people in Thailand are a lot like people here. The leave the home town to work, or follow a spouse and the family becomes scattered. As people find employment with commercial entities, they are bound by the company's scheduling rules and no longer have the flexibility to be home when the wish.
Listening to my wife's reports from home, I am reminded of the times my family and I cared for our dying parents. The problems are so similar.
Its not people or culture that determines how we care for people. It's the particular conditions people find themselves in when they're needed.
My wife is currently in Thailand helping care for her mother primarily because she feels its her obligation as a member of the family.
However, the family in Thailand has the same difficulties you are talking about here in the United States.
Years ago, the extended Thai family lived in one house, or in a group of houses.
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