Stuck in the middle with you
25 Feb 2017
The number of Australians who make up the sandwich generation – those who care for ageing parents while raising children – continues to increase. As a result, the demand for home care services is on the rise.
At this moment in time, almost 1.5 million Australians are simultaneously raising children while acting as carers for their ageing parents, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). But with 3.7 million Australians over the age of 65 and almost nine per cent of those suffering from dementia, that number is set to rise.
More than 70 per cent of Australians want to spend their final days at home, rather than in residential care. There’s good reason for this too, with evidence suggesting that patients may fare better in their own environment than in residential care. As a result, the sandwich generation is feeling the physical and emotional struggle of aged care.
However, there are ways to lighten the burden, including the option of in-home care providers. The government’s plan to increase funding for subsidised home care from 20 per cent in 2013 to 36 per cent by 2022 is welcome news to carers and may alleviate some of the pressure felt by the children
of elderly parents.
Caught between a rock and a hard place
For many in the sandwich generation there is no easy answer. They either become the full-time carer for their parent, usually while juggling a job in addition to children, or put their parents into residential care. Dr Peter Hanley, Managing Director and Co-founder of National Care Management (NCM), says that often neither option offers the best solution.
“People who find themselves in the position of a full-time carer think that it’s just another thing to add to the pile and that they’re a capable person with a way of coping,” said Hanley. “But ultimately they’re letting down the person they’re caring for if they can’t sustain that role.”
Carer burnout is one of the main reasons why people enter residential care. Many underestimate the difficulty of what can be an exhausting role to maintain, both physically and emotionally, especially when you’re not sure if you’re doing things right. Understanding what to do is a large issue for many in the sandwich generation and Hanley compares it to getting an accountant to do your tax, believing this is something better left to the experts.
“In a situation like that, where it’s complex and an expert is going to save you time and money, that’s the best time to draw on their expertise – and that’s what we do,” he said.
Adam, whose real name has been withheld for privacy reasons, has been looking after his parents for the past five years. He echoes Hanley’s sentiment that the aged-care system is complex, retelling his learning experience as a carer for his parents.
“One of the first things we encountered was the maze of services and information,” he said. “There isn’t one place you can go to find out what’s available – what services were available and where to get them was an absolute minefield.”
Adam has experienced firsthand the difficulty in looking after parents while dealing with other aspects of life. “I have Parkinson’s disease, so that tends to compromise pretty much everything I do in life.”
Dealing with his parents ageing, as well as his own health, was complicated by his parents’ desire to remain at home in their old age. “The challenge for my brother and I has been centred on providing care to keep them at home and independent, which is not easy.”
Weighing up the options
Like many carers juggling multiple responsibilities, Adam has found accommodating his parents’ desire to live at home tough going. His main concern is whether his parents will be ready for the move to residential care, if and when that time comes.
“If it’s planned, it can be done without too much difficulty. But when the parents are resisting the discussion, then it becomes a problem,” he said.
Adam’s concerns are legitimate. With residential care positions in high demand, there can be difficulty accessing such care urgently. “I fully support keeping them at home in their familiar environment as long as possible, but when the day comes that they say they’re ready to move, there’s not going to be a place for them unless we’re prepared in advance,” he said.
There are a variety of government funding packages available to support ageing Australians who want in-home care, ranging from $8000 to more than $50,000 depending on the needs of the person. New government plans mean that by February 2017, individuals who receive these packages will be able to shop around and choose their own provider. Hanley believes giving people the ability to choose will encourage competition, ensuring providers offer a better service for an improved price.
“It’s all about helping clients access more choice and get more out of the dollars being spent on their support through increased competition, greater transparency, and basically allowing people to find a better deal that’s related to their circumstances,” he said.
Helpful strategies
During his time seeking care options for his parents, Adam has found a couple of strategies helpful. When it comes to caring for parents for instance, it’s a good idea to share the load with family members if » possible. Adam’s brother spends a lot of time overseas, but takes on much of the responsibility when he’s home.
“When he’s here, he takes on the lion’s share of the load. And we do a lot of stuff together and discuss tasks, strategies and ideas.”
Brainstorming strategies with your family is another great tactic to help you plan for the future. Likewise, utilising the services of in-home care providers can make a significant difference for carers. Hanley agrees, saying that it’s important to be open to talking about the future, being ready to ask for help when you need it, and having an action plan – all of which can make a real difference when addressing the difficulties faced by the sandwich generation.
“It’s one of those things that’s sensible to have in place well in advance,” he said. “People tend to struggle on without seeking support, which would actually free up some time and maybe keep them pain free, allowing them to enjoy life that little bit more.”
AUSTRALIA’S AGEING POPULATION IN NUMBERS
1.5 million The number of Australians who currently
make up the sandwich generation.
15.2%
The number of Australians aged 65 or above.
1 in 10 The number of Australians aged 65 or above
who are affected by dementia.
80.1 years
The average life expectancy for males.
84.3 years
The average life expectancy for females.
Source: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
®