July is National Sandwich Generation Month. The campaign honors caregivers responsible both for children and aging parents. The concept is particularly germane at present, as many parents have spent the last few months homeschooling their kids due to the pandemic. What’s more, many older children who lost their jobs or were unable to return to college after spring break now live at home. Many of those parents may simultaneously act as a caregiver for one or more of their parents. Caretaking for aged loved is complicated, since many run a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 than the general population.
Self-Care in a Sandwich
Those who are also working—either remotely or outside of the home—face additional responsibilities beyond caregiving. When juggling multiple roles, seek help and emotional support from others. This lessens the risk of burnout, depression, and anxiety. Take care of yourself. Follow a healthy diet and exercise to relieve stress. Schedule a bit of time for yourself to do something you enjoy. Taking time out for yourself is not selfish. On the contrary, if you feel burned out, you will struggle to care for others.
Check Estate Planning Documents
Alleviate the stress of caregiving by making sure your aging parents and adult children have legally valid estate planning documents. If not, encourage them to prepare these important documents. However, do not try to force them so otherwise influence their estate planning decisions. Have they indicated they want you to act as their caregiver should the need arise? If you have already assumed that role, remember that you are legally permitted to act and make decisions on their behalf if they become too ill to do so themselves. This is a relatively simple step. It eliminates delays and uncertainty that could hinder their care. If you have the documents necessary to know and carry out your parents’ or child’s wishes for their care, regardless of the situation, you can rest assured that they will receive the care they desire:
Financial Power of Attorney
Medical Power of Attorney
Living Will
HIPAA Authorization
Warning: The legal requirements for estate planning documents vary from state to state. If your parents have moved from another state to live with you, they may need to have their documents reviewed or redone to ensure that they are valid in your state.
Sandwich Generation Estate Planning
Put these documents in place before your loved one develops a condition involving a cognitive loss. Dementia and other such ailments could reduce their capacity to sign legal documents. If they develop dementia, for example, and are not able to understand the objective or content of a power of attorney or other documents. What’s more, they would be legally unable to execute the document. In such a case, the court would require you to seek appointment as your parents’ guardian. In this capacity, you would care for their physical or medical needs.
Sandwich Generation Conservator
Or, you could manage their financial affairs as a conservator. This takes time and money. It also involves public testimony and evaluations about your parents’ health and living situation. Fortunately, it is avoidable as long as you prepare the necessary documents in advance. Further, these documents should be put in place by your adult child. This is true regardless of any health conditions. Once your child reaches legal adulthood, you will no longer automatically act on their behalf.
About Skvarna Law Firm in Glendora and Upland, California
Skvarna Law Firm operates offices in Glendora and Upland, California. We provide legal services. We cover San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes several cities. Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Pomona, La Verne, Montclair, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.com to learn more.
