Caregivers play different roles within the family, and they care for various age groups. Some caregivers have small children, and their primary focus is taking care of them. Other caregivers have the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents, or other elderly members of their families. Both of these roles are significant, and these caregivers are a great resource for the community, as well as for the people they serve.
However, in recent years there has been a growing interest in the group of people who provide care for their small children while they are also providing care for elderly parents or family members. This group has become known as the Sandwich Generation of caregivers because they find themselves "squeezed" between having to care for both of these age groups.
According to a recent article on the Caregiver.com website, this generation of people are struggling financially, and for many reasons. In fact, it's estimated that if the United States healthcare system were to provide the types of services these family members are providing, it would cost more than $250 billion per year, and that's only payment for the care they offer to the elderly.
The Burdens of being a Caregiver
In addition to the time it takes to care for family members, there are other costs involved. Some people may live in rural areas that don't give them easy access to some of the resources that are available to others. Many of them have realized a need to stop working in order to properly care for a family member as well as their children, which can place a significant amount of financial stress on that person and his or her family. As you can imagine, these types of burdens can quickly lead to burnout or even severe bouts of depression.
The Relief of Bankruptcy
It's not surprising that many of these "Sandwich" Generation caregivers find themselves find themselves facing Bankruptcy. However, Bankruptcy is actually an excellent option that can work for many people who have the challenge of caring for their loved ones. It provides a sense of financial relief that can lift many of the burdens they're carrying, and position them for financial stability in the future.
Perhaps you or someone you love has become a "Sandwich" Generation caregiver, and you're not sure what to do about your ever-increasing bills. Bankruptcy might be the answer you've been looking for, and talking with an experienced attorney can help to clarify that for you.
If you would like more information about filing for Bankruptcy, and the various options that are available to you, please contact us today.
