The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona speaks with Nicole àBeckett and Dr. Shruti Roy, co-founders of the innovative technology platform Hero Generation. Nicole and Shruti share their personal caregiving experiences that inspired them to create Hero Generation, a comprehensive web-based tool designed to support family caregivers. This first of its kind technology provides Sandwich Generation members medical and legal resources, tools to organize and manage caregiving responsibilities, and a community to help caregivers manage the emotional and logistical challenges they face. The discussion highlights the important role that technology can play in caregiving and how technology can support, organize, and manage these responsibilities. Candace commends the founders for their mission-driven approach and the value Hero Generation brings to caregivers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 00:51 Nicole's Caregiving Journey
 04:15 Shruti's Caregiving Experience
 06:46 The Hero Generation Platform
 07:40 Platform Features and Benefits
 11:23 Community and Support for Caregivers
 25:32 Accessing Hero Generation
 28:19 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

For more information about Hero Generation, visit https://www.herogen.co/

Follow Hero Generation on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/herogeneration/

https://www.instagram.com/hero__generation/

https://www.facebook.com/weareHeroGeneration

Join host Candace Dellacona in this insightful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, featuring Dr. Gerda Maissel, founder of My MD Advisor. Candace and Dr. Maissel discuss “solo agers” and the unique challenges they face. Learn about critical strategies for single people as they age, including building community, ensuring proper medical care, and legal planning to navigate aging independently or with limited family support. This episode provides valuable insights for both solo agers and their loved ones!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:30 Dr. Gerda Maissel's Background and My MD Advisor
01:07 Personal Story: The Catalyst for My MD Advisor
02:29 Challenges in the Healthcare System
05:30 The Concept of Solo Aging
09:14 Fears and Realities of Solo Agers
22:56 Building Community and Support Networks
25:52 Legal and Medical Preparations for Solo Agers
29:38 When to Seek Professional Help
31:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

For more information about My MD Advisor, visit: 

https://www.mymdadvisor.com/

Follow My MD Advisor on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-md-advisor/

https://www.facebook.com/MyMDAdvisor/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Dr. Ashwini Bapat, a hospice and palliative care physician from EpioneMD, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her training at Tufts, Yale, and Harvard. Dr. Bapat delves into the complexities of caring for loved ones with serious illnesses, highlighting the vital importance of engaging in meaningful conversations about living with such conditions. She clarifies the distinction between palliative care, which provides an extra layer of support at any illness stage, and hospice care, focused on holistic support during the final months of life. Families are encouraged to approach these difficult discussions with a listening mindset rather than an agenda, paving the way for open dialogues about care preferences, future living arrangements, and the complexities of denial.

Dr. Bapat stresses the need for proper healthcare documentation, including proxies and living wills, to ensure that individuals’ medical wishes are honored. She also advocates for collaboration between caregivers and medical teams, urging the creation of a “caregiver action plan” that reflects not just medical needs but also the patient’s joys and lifestyle preferences. Listeners will learn the importance of sharing caregiving responsibilities among family members and the necessity of seeking help to alleviate the burden.

Additionally, Dr. Bapat emphasizes the value of early conversations to set clear expectations and minimize conflicts within families. Drawing from her personal experiences as both a physician and a daughter, she underscores the significance of being present and truly listening to loved ones, rather than rushing to take action. This episode is filled with invaluable insights, empowering the Sandwich Generation to approach caregiving with compassion, communication, and collaboration.

Learn more about EpioneMD:

• www.epionemd.com/

Follow on social media:

• www.facebook.com/epionemd/
• www.linkedin.com/company/epionemd/
• https://www.instagram.com/epionemd/

Welcome to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide with your host, Candace Dellacona. In this insightful episode, Candace is joined by Denise Scruggs, the Director of Education at the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Together, they explore effective communication strategies for interacting with loved ones experiencing dementia. Denise shares invaluable tips on how to engage meaningfully, address nonverbal cues, and provide comfort amidst cognitive challenges. From understanding the impact of sensory changes to fostering patience and empathy, this episode offers practical advice for caregivers seeking to enhance their interactions and support their loved ones with dignity and compassion. Tune in to learn how to improve communication and make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.

Learn more about the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP): www.nccdp.org/

Follow on social media:

•   www.facebook.com/nationalccdp
• www.instagram.com/nccdp_iccdp
• www.linkedin.com/company/national-council-of-certified-dementia-practitioners/
• www.youtube.com/@NCCDPLTAD

In this episode of  The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, Candace Dellacona sits down with accomplished writer, illustrator, and editor Kate Feiffer. Kate opens up about her career journey, from working in TV production to becoming an author, and how her mother’s dementia influenced her latest novel,  Morning Pages. The novel explores the emotional and practical challenges faced by those in the Sandwich Generation—people caring for both aging parents and children.

Kate discusses the themes of invisibility and identity loss that caregivers often experience, emphasizing how writing became a vital outlet for her during her caregiving journey. She also reflects on societal views of aging and the crucial role friendships play in the lives of older women. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the Sandwich Generation’s unique struggles, providing listeners with relatable insights and practical advice.

 Learn more about Kate Feiffer:

Website: https://www.katefeiffer.com/

 Follow Kate Feiffer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.feiffer/

X: https://x.com/katefeiffer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-feiffer-631987a/

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Tracy McCubbin, founder of dClutterfly®, who shares her expertise on managing personal belongings and downsizing for aging family members. With 17 years of experience, Tracy emphasizes the importance of framing decluttering conversations around aging goals, such as aging in place or moving to a smaller home, rather than criticizing the amount of stuff. She highlights the benefits of starting these discussions early, getting professional valuations for items, and respecting the emotional connections people have to their belongings. Tracy's compassionate approach helps families navigate the challenges of downsizing while supporting their loved ones' aging objectives. 

 Learn more:

dClutterfly®: https://www.dclutterfly.com/

 Follow dClutterfly®:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_mccubbin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisistracymccubbin

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_u1rOQivEcplEAMUrd5ORQ/videos

In episode 12, "Part 2: Proactive Planning Strategies with Geriatric Care Managers,"  The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide's  Candace Dellacona continues her conversation with Christine Davis Richmond, LMSW, CMC, CDP, the co-founder of Care Collective Nursing Care & Management. The episode delves into the importance of planning ahead for care and discusses how to initiate conversations with loved ones about setting up a care plan before a crisis occurs. 

Candace and Christine emphasize the significance of documents like the health care proxy, living will, and medical orders for life-sustaining treatment in outlining one's medical wishes and ensuring they are carried out effectively. They also highlight the role of the power of attorney in managing finances and accessing necessary care resources, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and understanding the available options. Throughout the episode, Candace and Christine provide valuable insights and guidance for listeners navigating the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. 

 Learn more: 

Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: https://www.carecollectivehealth.org/

 Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management:

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carecollectivehealth/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/carecollectivehealth/

In episode 11, "Part 1: Geriatric Care Managers,"  The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide's  Candace Dellacona welcomes Christine Davis Richmond, LMSW, CMC, CDP, the co-founder of Care Collective Nursing Care & Management. The episode delves into the pivotal role of geriatric care managers, professionals adept in nursing, social work, or gerontology, specializing in aiding older adults with healthcare management. Christine, drawing from her social work background, elaborates on care managers' responsibilities, which encompass orchestrating diverse aspects of care for clients.

The discussion explores critical scenarios where care manager intervention proves indispensable, such as discharge planning from medical facilities and orchestrating home care. Christine underscores the significance of grasping a client's needs and priorities and advocating for their voice within the healthcare system.

The episode also addresses challenges like remote care coordination and family conflicts, where care managers serve as mediators, translators, and advocates, prioritizing the client's well-being. Concluding on the importance of proactive planning for aging and healthcare needs, the episode sets the stage for exploring proactive planning strategies in the next installment.

 Learn more:

Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: https://www.carecollectivehealth.org/

 Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management:

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carecollectivehealth/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/carecollectivehealth/

In episode 10, "Death and Dying,"  The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide's  Candace Dellacona welcomes Eileen Spillane, the founder of Befriending Death. Eileen discusses her background and how growing up in a family that normalized discussions around death influenced her perspective. She shares her experiences as a critical care nurse, particularly at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, gaining a unique perspective on life and death.

Eileen explains how her encounters with death prompted her to start Befriending Death. The organization aims to facilitate open conversations about death and dying, providing people with the tools to approach these topics and make informed decisions. The episode delves into the importance of discussing end-of-life preferences early, the distinctions between palliative care and hospice, and the role of death doulas.

The Befriending Death workshops, titled "Let's Chat About Death," are discussed, covering topics such as personal relationships with death, aging, and preparation for one's own end-of-life decisions. Eileen emphasizes the need to empower individuals and patients, giving them the tools to ask the right questions and make informed choices, ultimately restoring a sense of control and dignity. 

The episode concludes with a discussion of the community aspect of Befriending Death, fostering intimate conversations in a supportive group setting. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into approaching and normalizing discussions about death and dying, acknowledging the impact of such conversations on personal and professional aspects of life.

 Learn more:

 Eileen Spillane:  https://www.befriendingdeath.com/about

Befriending Death:  https://www.befriendingdeath.com/

National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA): https://www.nedalliance.org/neda_members_by_name.html

  Follow Befriending Death:

 LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/befriending-death/

 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089964484579

 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/befriending.death/

 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@befriendingdeath

In episode 9, "Financial Planning," Candace Dellacona of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide interviews Ryan Rosegarten, a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate and Certified Financial Planner'™ at UBS Katz Wealth Management. The conversation explores challenges faced by the "Sandwich Generation" with a focus on financial planning, including saving for children's education while simultaneously saving for retirement.

Ryan emphasizes the expanded role of financial planners, going beyond traditional investment management. He highlights their involvement in considering a client's overall financial situation, aiding in the creation of both short and long-term wealth-building and risk-management strategies.

Candace inquires about essential information for effective financial planning, with Ryan stressing the importance of understanding a client's complete financial picture and emotional connection to money. The discussion covers how personal backgrounds shape attitudes toward finances, and Ryan emphasizes the need for financial advisors to consider these emotional factors when offering guidance.

The conversation also explores when to engage a financial planner, with Ryan noting that it's not tied to a specific income or asset threshold. Instead, it depends on factors such as the client's commitment to managing finances and the complexity of their financial situation.