89 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com “I work remotely most days, but I still have a caregiver here full-time,” she explained. “At night, it’s all me. I get him to bed and deal with sundowning. He’s up every hour.” There’s no such thing as clocking out. “I’m two years behind on my own doctor appointments,” Blitch admitted. “When I finish work, I’m not done. I’m a mom and a caregiver.” She also juggles her daughter’s two competitive travel sports. Like May, Blitch had disheartening experiences with facility care. “He was at a nursing home for a short time,” she recounted. “They had a good reputation and were kind but understaffed. I feared I’d lose him there, just watching TV in a wheelchair all day.” At home, Blitch said her father thrives. He walks, sits on the porch and lights up when he sees his granddaughter. “My daughter doesn’t always understand what’s going on, but I tell her that this is what family does. We take care of each other.” Being part of the sandwich generation is an enormous weight. They wrestle with healthcare systems, finances, guilt and the emotional toll of watching their greatest heroes fade, all while balancing work and children. “You feel like you have to be everywhere at once,” May said. “Some days I get in the car and just cry. He used to be so full of life; dancing and traveling. Now he just stares at the TV. It’s heartbreaking.” Blitch felt a similar sentiment: “He was so full of life. He would pick me up after work and we would watch the sunset in his boat. Watching that slow loss is hard.” The sandwich generation may be stretched thin, but they’re holding families together. If you find yourself caught in the middle, there are silver linings. Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is gratitude. “I’m thankful for this time,” May said. “Caring for my father has allowed me time with him that I would have never had if he stayed in Savannah.” Blitch agreed. “It’s exhausting, yes. But my father’s still with us. He still lights up when he sees us. That’s worth so much.” senior living Melinda Blitch is part of the sandwich generation, caring for her daughter and father while working full time. 3501 Lively Lane | Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 marshcarolinapark.com | /marshcarolinapark.com As the days cool, consider rejuvenating your life with a beautiful suite and new friends at The Marsh of Carolina Park! Stunning and loving caregivers. Delicious meals. Join us and live your best life! Contact Lisa, our Marketing Director, to arrange for a tour and to learn more about our exquisite community. We look forward to meeting you soon! LISA SCOTT: 330.488.5822 | lisa.scott@ssmgrp.com ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE INDEPENDENT COTTAGES Football, Pumpkin Spice, and Changing Leaves! WE’RE READY TO CHEER FOR FALL! ® ASK ABOUT PROMOTIONAL PRICING!! www.CharlestonRetirementLiving.com | www.RetiringtoSouthCarolina.com | www.CoastalRetirementTowns.com
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