Page 23 - Senior Times South Central Michigan July 2022 - 29-07

Collectively, the adult children who are responsible for caring for both their parents as well as their own children make up what we call the Sandwich Generation. But what happens next is the joy of a life well-lived... the side orders, well that’s my endearing name for the precious gift that we call grand children.
prepared for safety. Have the appro- priate car seat(s), sleeping items, and toys. Cover the outlets, protect the stairs, feed them what’s appropriate, have emergency supplies and contact information on hand, and more. Take an infant/child CPR and first aid class. Obtain authorized medical consent if you are providing care for an extended time. You might even need to consider different vaccinations for yourself.
Grand parents of today are not
what I remember of mine. Most are
still working, more than 60% in fact. Furthermore, grand parents today are more active and look forward to engag- ing with their grand children in fun, meaningful ways. For me, it’s an excuse to go to the Air Zoo, make Play-Doh food, or even fly a kite.
Above all, be the best grand parent you can be at whatever level that means for you. And even though much has changed about parenting, much is still the same. Have fun. It’s summertime. Go to the zoo or the beach (remember the sunscreen). Go fishing or build sandcastles. Plant flowers or dig for worms. Read books. Read books. Read books. As they age, enjoy their activ- ities and start to learn from them. Let your imagination soar.
Our home, our office, and even my car have been overhauled making sure we have what we need for not just one, but now three, grand children (our side orders). According to AARP nearly $60 billion is spent each year by grand par- ents preparing in similar ways. Grand parents even spend more money each year on new toys than new parents. That does not surprise me in the least.
The joy we experienced raising our own children continues to grow as
we can share these simple things with our grand children. Oh my, what a joy these side orders are! And I cannot get enough. It’s the best part of being included in the sandwich generation.
2. Stay healthy. A continual theme in Senior Times is that caregivers must continue to care for themselves always so that they may be the best caregivers for others. You have a new opportunity to be a role model; so be a good one. Don’t neglect your needs in the midst of trying to be a super grand parent, super parent, or super caregiver.
Publisher’s Note: For those of you that have found that your role as grand parent has included parenting as well there are wonderful kinship programs that you can take advantage of. Turn to page 12 to learn more about one local program or call (269) 660-0448 for more details And to you I say, thank you for being willing to be the blessing that your grand children need during what is a challenging time for everyone.
From the
Senior Times - July 2022
Page 23
Calhoun County Senior Millage
Benefits Counseling
(517) 629-3842 - Albion (800) 803-7174 - Battle Creek (269) 781-0846 - Marshall
Community Care Options
(269) 441-0948
Dental Services
(269) 781-0952
Handy Helper Services & Bed Bug Remediation (866) 200-8877
Hearing & Vision Services
(269) 441-0964
Home Heating Assistance
(269) 965-7766
Legal Assistance
(800) 688-3951
Meal Delivered / Meal Sites
(866) 200-8877
Minor Home Repair
(877) 422-2726
Money Management
(269) 788-1678
Personal Emergency Response
(269) 441-0930
Prescription Assistance
(269) 781-0952
Ramps for Accessibility
(866) 200-8877
Senior Fitness & Fun
(269) 441-0948
Senior Transportation
(269) 565-4144
All services are funded by the citizens of Calhoun County through support of the Senior Millage. Services are available to any County resident, age 60 and over. Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
315 West Green St. Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-0846
www.calhouncountymi.gov
PUBLISHER
Sherii Sherban, Special to Senior Times
THE JOY OF SIDE ORDERS
Experience leads all of us to under- stand that not all families are like what they write about in books. Thank good- ness. The biggest challenge now, as many parents face, is sharing time with each of them separately, and together, along with knowing which rules to keep intact. For me, these three are at the top of the list:
I cherish being called, “Yanna.” It is my grand parenting nickname and it fills my heart with joy each time I hear it.
1. Accept your role as grand par- ent. You may want to claim your grand children as your own, but Mom and Dad will always be first on their list, as they should be.
I encourage you to have no expec- tations for each experience with your grand children. Take it all in. Give when asked. Support when needed. And if necessary set boundaries to make sure that you continue toward health yourself. Enjoy!
WE THINK THE STAFF AT EVERGREEN ARE...
HEROES OF HEALTH CARE
FEATURING:
• Rehab to Home
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
• Long-Term Skilled Nursing
• Respite Care
• Private Rooms Available
• Admissions 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a week
• Cable and Wi-Fi
111 EVERGREEN ROAD, SPRINGFIELD, MI 49037
269-969-6110 | www.evergreenscc.com
3. Make sure that you are
• Under New Management
• Serving Seniors of Low Income • Secured Entry
• Fresh & Healthy Meals Daily
• Full time LPN and MA
• Medication Management • Activities & Entertainment • Beautician Available
True Care Living • 565 General Ave., Springfield, MI • 49037 • (269) 968-3365
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