In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by award-winning author Phil Callaway. Phil shares his inspiring journey into surviving the Sandwich Generation by finding the humor and discovering the vital role that laughter plays in navigating life's family challenges as a caregiver.

Phil discusses his acclaimed book, “Family Squeeze,” detailing his experiences as a caregiver for his aging parents while also raising his own children, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by the sandwich generation. He provides insights on family dynamics and the importance of professional care, while offering encouragement for caregivers and emphasizing the necessity of self-care practices like laughter and finding confidants to share their experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Phil underscores the profound impact of how maintaining humor during tough times can have on a positive effect on the whole family.

• Welcome (00:07)
• Guest background (01:26)
• Finding the humor (03:46)
• “Family Squeeze” and the sandwich generation (08:24)
• Caregiving challenges and family dynamics (17:45)
• Self-care for the sandwich generation (23:26)
• Final thoughts (25:34)

Learn more about Phil Callaway, and purchase your copy of “Family Squeeze”:

• Phil's Website

Follow Phil on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dawn Nargi, Executive Director and founder of The W Connection, a nonprofit organization supporting widows through connection, encouragement, education, and empowerment.

Dawn shares her personal story of loss and the inception of The W Connection. The discussion highlights the unique challenges of widowhood and underscores the importance of peer-led support and social connections in the healing process. The conversation further explores the need for widows to redefine their lives and establish a "new normal" while providing practical advice for friends and family on offering meaningful support.

The W Connection's ongoing impact and commitment to assisting widows, particularly those in the Sandwich Generation who may face simultaneous responsibilities for their children and aging parents, emphasizes the continuing need for community support and resources for widows navigating their journeys.

Learn more about The W Connection:

• The W Connection Website

Follow The W Connection on social media:

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• Twitter

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/