Today’s baby boomers have found themselves caught between raising their children and caring for their elderly parents. Many boomers stalled having children until their late 30s and 40s.  By 2005, 71 percent of the boomers had one parent or more living. This formula can equal a stressed group of boomers caught in the middle of two other generations.

Out of the 77 million baby boomers many are still working for their own retirement along with raising their own children. The costs of nursing home care has forced many families to use their own resources to help their parents either remain at home with care, live with them or possibly live in less desirable nursing homes. Financial circumstances do matter when it comes to the decisions families must make. Long-term care insurance has been around, but few people ever thought they would need it. So, many of these elderly parents invested in the college educations of children and grandchildren.

Baby boomers must be on the lookout for overload in times like these. There are professional services that can be useful in unloading some of the stress of caring for the two generations. From delivering meals, cleaning house, and chauffeuring the elderly around there are professional services available for any and all of these situations. This can help the boomer parents spend the extra time needed with their young children in the extra time.  Making friends with other parents of young children’s friends can help alleviate stress by making connections with others who can help if emergencies pop up. The main idea is to provide care to both generations while continuing to care for your own well being too.