Sandwich generation 'confused' by funding choices
03/09/2008
New findings by www.elderlyparents.org.uk show that 72% of the 'sandwich generation' who are helping elderly relatives could not find suitable information, and when they did, over three quarters felt the information was unclear and ambiguous.
With a record 1.2 million people now aged 85 and over, the ‘sandwich’
generation - those coping with the demands of both elderly parents and their own children - are increasingly facing serious financial difficulties. Two thirds are having to consider equity release from their own or parents’ properties as a means of funding care but finding reliable advice on this subject is difficult to come by.
Mike Bingham, founder of www.elderlyparents.org.uk, said: “What is clear from our research is that there is real concern over the lack of clear and concise information available - particularly when it comes to funding care. And many people find it very distressing to even broach the subject. Getting these sensitive conversations started in the first place is hard enough, without the added pressure of a lack of information.”
Visitors to the website can also get a free copy of ‘Difficult Conversations’, a booklet which provides advice on how to deal with a range of complex subjects - such as where an elderly relative will live out their final years and how to get their finances in order.
For more information please visit the website linked below.