To follow on from National Palliative Care Week (22-28 May 2016), the Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) is set to host a workshop for ‘sandwich’ carers.
Coined in the 1980s, today the term refers to a group of people from the Baby Boomer generation, now aged in their 50s and 60s, who started a family at an older age after pursuing career opportunities and travel.
With life expectancy increasing to 80 years for males and 84 years for females, and children continuing to live with their parents well into their 30s due to unemployment, further studies, and the increased cost of living, they find themselves caught in the middle (hence the term), simultaneously caring for their elderly parents and dependent children.
“Many ‘sandwich’ carers experience mental, emotional and physical burnout,” says AGWS community education officer Adonis Maglis. “It is important to look after yourself so you can be there for your family and your parents.”
While there is no official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, experts conservatively estimate that there are more than 1.5 million ‘sandwich’ carers across Australia, and by the year 2050 estimate that number to increase to 2.46 million.
Rather than enjoying financial security and the leisure time they expected, more and more people are facing increased demands on their resources.
Mr Maglis advises carers to reassure their loved ones that it is okay to ask for help and that there are services that can address their needs in a caring and respectful way, taking into consideration their wishes in decision-making and care planning.
In what can quickly become an emotionally taxing situation, above all else he encourages carers to “reassure them that you still love them and care for them even if you are unable to provide the level of support you used to give”.
The workshop is a chance for carers to share their experiences, ask questions, dispel the myths around shame and stigma related to seeking professional help, and learn about coping strategies to minimise stress.
The workshop has been rescheduled to Thursday 2 June at the Australian Greek Welfare Society, 7 Union St Brunswick, VIC from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. Attendance is free of charge. A light supper will be provided. For more information and to RSVP, contact Kia Antoniadis or Adonis Maglis on (03) 9388 9998 or via email: kiaa@agws.com.au or antoniosm@agws.com.au