Sandwich Generation Faces Important Decisions in Elderly Care

    NOVI, MI, September 25, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center, data revealed that nearly half (47%) of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (age 18 or older). Additionally, about 1 in 7 middle-aged adults (15%) is providing financial support to both an aging parent and a child.

Welcome to the Sandwich Generation.

As this population continues to grow by the thousands annually, and will soon include the millennial generation, a number of new problems will arise for those who are caring for aging parents. One of the most alarming problems is the rise in elderly abuse. Taking place at medical facilities intended to provide help at such a critical time, this abuse occurs at the hands of those who are entrusted with the welfare of loved ones in elder care and assisted care facilities.

The National Center on Elderly Abuse, reported that nearly 1 in 3 elder care facilities in the U.S. were cited for violations of federal standards. Even more alarming, in a study of nursing home residents, 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they had been neglected or seen a resident neglected. With the extreme likelihood of non-reporting or an inability to report abuse by those who are physically or mentally unable, these (likely understated) numbers are inherently troubling and require serious consideration by every American, whether they have family in a facility or not.

In what is defined as one of the most difficult decisions adult children make for their parents, many have feelings of guilt and abandonment when searching for adequate care. In many cases, however, an elder care facility is the best -- and sometimes only -- option for a person with a serious condition who requires care 24 hours a day. As such, alongside researching the facilities for their amenities, a person choosing to move a loved one into an elder care facility must face serious questions including:

How do I know if a nursing facility in my area has a good track record, or not?

Where can I find good, honest, clear up-to-date information?

For those initial questions, as well as providing additional information surrounding elder abuse or recognizing problems as they arise, ForMyParent.com was built. ForMyParent is an organization that was built to help the public better understand and define the problem of elder abuse, as well as highlight red flags of abuse, to help the Sandwich Generation with these difficult questions. ForMyParent.com/eldersafety provides a wealth of data regarding reported safety violations, maps of U.S. elder care facilities, as well as accessible ratings for each facility clearly displayed. The site includes tips on how to identify abuse and FAQ's on patient safety and more. Ultimately, the site is aimed at preventing elder abuse by first understanding how it occurs and identifying those facilities where it's most frequently occurring. The site operates as a resource and tool to help concerned advocates and other caregivers find a safe and effective nursing home for a loved one, as well as provide families with the tools and vital information to prevent physical and emotional abuse for a loved one during this vulnerable era in their lives.

Ideally, ForMyParent.com is best utilized before admitting loved ones into elder care facilities; it should be noted, though, that the site also works as a resource when a family member suspects abuse in a facility. Critical information on patient rights, how to identify abuse, and types of abuse are defined in easy to understand terms, along with next steps if a lawsuit should be filed.

Interview opportunities and further information is available by contacting Brandon Harig at [email protected] or by calling (248) 347-7317.

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