As we age, caring for elderly and aging parents and family members becomes a greater concern. This is true of any culture, society, and generation. However, it is an especially relevant issue at the moment in this country, because the Baby Boom generation has begun to reach old age. Unfortunately, caring for the elderly inevitably includes consideration and discussion of end of life care. Although end of life planning is always difficult, terminal illness can bring additional problems to the situation. There is good news, though – hospice care is an effective method to reduce the stress and financial burdens associated with end of life care.

The term Sandwich Generation has been coined to describe the many people who are responsible for the care of their parents or older family members as well as their own children. These people are sandwiched between two or more generations of people who are unable to care for themselves. It can be trying to help loved ones deal with the transition from independent adulthood into their elder years, but this time can be more stressful and burdensome when a loved one suffers from a life-threatening or terminal illness. Health care bills can pile up, and time and effort spent on care can add up. All of this is in addition to the emotional toll the situation can take.

This is where hospice care can save the day. Not only can hospice relieve the burden of caring for an ill loved one from people who are already busy and possibly overwhelmed, but it is also more cost-effective than other methods of care. Hospice care is an ideal situation because it helps the terminally ill to be more comfortable and gives them control over their their own life situations. They can remain in their own homes or in the homes of loved ones. Hospice care helps manage symptoms of their illnesses and helps them to arrange memorial services and write wills. In addition, hospice care aids their loved ones in dealing with loss. Usually, most expenses of hospice care are paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. At a time when so many people in this country are pulled in so many different directions and have so many responsibilities in their lives, hospice care is a wonderful option.