The Sandwich Generation Pod

• Episode 5: F*ck - now I have to manage my parent’s finances too? With Shannon Foreman of Forethought Planning

  Raise your hand if you’re a caregiver who has needed to manage your parent’s finances and you think - oh F*ck - this is A LOT more difficult than I expected?!? We think everyone in the room right now feels this way! No matter how full or empty the bank account is, opening the books to your parents finances, managing the cost of care and navigating the emotions of money is a journey that is riddled with feelings. In this episode, we welcome Shannon Foreman, CEO and Founder of Forethought Planning. Shannon is a three-time-sandwiched caregiver herself and has helped countless families walk through the money conversations. We are SO grateful for Shannon’s wisdom in this podcast as we dive into conversations around what legacy really means, long term care insurances, Medicare vs Medicaid and most importantly - how to bring up ‘the money talk’ with your parents, while bringing empathy and humanity to the conversation. “Money and Health are so important, intertwined and personal. Just like you need a good bedside manner for health, you have to have a good bedside manner for money too.” - Shannon ForemanLinks + Resources: Forethought Planning Podcast: For more deep dives and advice from Shannon Foreman, check out her podcast! Here is a link for Long Term Care Specific Episodes!Cost of Care Quote: Use this site to calculate the cost of care in your area!*Minnesota* Medical Assistance *Minnesota* Senior Linkage LineSchromen Law, LLC - Legal Professionals who specialize in Medical Assistance PlanningTypes of Long-Term Care Insurance & AlternativesA. Traditional LTC InsuranceAnnual premiums, use-it-or-lose-itHealth underwriting requiredOften less flexibleB. Hybrid LTC (Life Insurance + LTC Rider)Permanent life insurance with LTC benefitsIf care is never needed, legacy benefit remainsUsually more expensive upfront, but asset-basedC. Annuities with LTC BenefitsIncome-producing tool with care coverage if neededCan be repurposed from existing retirement accountsD. Alternatives to InsuranceSelf-funding (for high-net-worth clients)Medicaid Planning (asset spend-down, trusts)Family caregiving (and its financial/emotional costs)Chapters00:00 Navigating Finances in Caregiving06:19 Starting Difficult Conversations11:52 Understanding Legal Documents18:23 The Reality of Long-Term Care Insurance24:25 How has Financial Planning Changed for today's Generation25:56 Medicare vs. Medicaid Explained30:53 The Challenges of Medical Assistance35:52 Leaving a Legacy and what does that mean39:20 Conversations to plan for a better future for our generation41:17 Medicaid and Elder Waiver44:18 Planning for our own futures47:13 Is it ever too late to hire a professional?50:00 The first steps in getting your shit together53:04 Having Empathy and Humanity to the hard conversations57:25 Real Talk

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• Episode 4: Self care feels like a SCAM!

  How the f*ck am I supposed to fit in self care? This is a question we ask ourselves all. of. the. Time. (especially while living this ‘sandwiched’ lifestyle). With the algorithms feeding us endless articles about all the ways we ‘should’ be doing self care, frankly, it all feels like a scam. In this episode, we (Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank) open up about the frustrations around taking care of ourselves while being caregivers for both our children and parents. We give some realistic examples of how we fit in tiny moments of joy that help us cope with the stress, along with a deeper conversation on how watching our parents age has had an effect on our own health journeys. And did we mention we talk about making CPAPs sexy?! That’s right - welcome to The Sandwich Generation Pod!TakeawaysSelf care feels like a scam because there is NO time people! Being ‘sandwiched’ and watching our parents age has only made us reflect on our own health journey - because we want to stay as healthy as possible for our children as they grow!Taking vitamins might be all the self care there is for the day!Shoutout to CPAP machines and amazing sleep! CPAPs are COOL, y’all!Finding radical acceptance is important for our mental well being when we’re in the midst of caregiving.Everything you do each day is enough. Journaling, therapy, indulging in a great coffee / cocktail, nutrient dense food are all things we’ve found as small joys along the way. Creating boundaries around your time from caregiving is self care. It’s okay to just survive some days; recognizing that is part of self care.Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:47 The Reality of Self-Care in Busy Lives01:57 Our Personal Self-Care Practices and Challenges07:09 Making CPAP Machines Sexy and how Sleep is EVERYTHING15:06 How bedtime with our kids became the best time19:53 Our own Health Awakening from watching our parents age27:11 Prioritizing our health for our own aging29:38 Setting Boundaries: Caring for Family33:54 Practical Hacks: Self-Care in Everyday Life37:52 Radical Acceptance: What we are doing is enough40:35 Outro

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• Episode 3: Help! How do I work with my siblings while we manage our parents?

  Sibling dynamics can be tricky - no matter how loving or estranged you are. Then add in kids, aging parents, living across the country and having to make some big, real-time, decisions together as you begin caregiving for your loved ones. Holy shit - it’s a lot. In this episode, we welcome Lisa Frank, Robyn’s sister to the show. The Frank sisters talk candidly about the complexities in navigating care for their aging parents, while managing their own families and being sisters. From living states apart, to dividing and conquering and overcoming our own bullshit to focus on their parent’s wellbeing - we talk about it all. Eliesa also chimes in with some perspective on being an only child and we share some insights on how to support one another - and our parents - while being siblings in The Sandwich Generation. In this episode we let the emotions flow, because this is real life!TakeawaysHow to show up for your siblings while caregiving:Build your “Cabinet”, either with your siblings or with trusted family and friends who you can get advice from in making all of the decisions. Also, build a “Cabinet” of your parent’s friends who can continue to reach out and support them. Divide and Conquer with your siblings - and recognize what each other’s strengths are.Talk about your boundaries and triggers with your siblings.Check in with your siblings - how are they doing in their lives? How is their mental health?Above all, put your own bullshit aside and focus on the wellbeing of the loved one you are caregiving for. How to show up for your peers who are in The Sandwich Generation:Send a text checking inDelivering some groceries for their parents Having a visit with their loved oneHouse cleaning - for your friends, for their parents or loved one. Offer to help with simple house projects for their parents or loved one. Chapters00:00 Navigating Caregiving with Siblings01:11 Introducing the Frank Sisters03:04 Build your Cabinet of People to Help06:11 Taking Care of your Parents while living in different States09:52 Feeling Guilt11:02 Being on the same page with your sibling16:27 Setting an example for your children19:04 Stepping up for your sibling when they need it most21:52 Setting boundaries and noticing triggers27:08 Showing up for our friends who are Sandwiched28:20 Our parents need their friends too31:50 Checking In with your Sibling35:16 What are you most proud of each other for?41:30 Being an "only" child and raising "only" children47:39 Real Talk Segment

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• Episode 2: What the hell is power of attorney and why do you need it? With Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law, LLC.

  “Are you the Power of Attorney?” When shit goes down and a health crisis happens with our aging parents, this is one of the first questions we are asked. But what the hell is a power of attorney and why do we need it? In this episode, Eliesa Johnson and Robyn Frank are joined by (the fantastic) Rachel Schromen of Schromen Law, LLC and we discuss it all. Rachel’s approach to guiding her clients through Estate Planning and Elder Law is truly remarkable and we are so grateful for her advice and real-life-tips that you can put into action to help you today!Side note: We learned Power of Attorney isn’t just for aging parents, it’s important for ALL of us. Listen in to learn more! TakeawaysWhy Power of Attorney and Health Care Directives are important for ALL of us, NOW! Including your freshly turned 18 year old.  What’s valuable about hiring an attorney to help with Estate Planning and Elder Law. How to interview attorneys to find the right personality and fit for your family. When to strategically schedule legal meetings + important appointments to allow everyone to retain the information best. How siblings should play to each other’s strengths to divide and conquer responsibilities.What’s the difference between Power of Attorney and co-signer on your parent’s bank accounts, and which one is better.Links and Resources:**The following links are resources based in the state of Minnesota.**Schromen Law, LLC - Learn more about Rachel’s practice and approach to Estate Planning and Elder Law. We know we’ll be making an appointment!10 Questions to ask your Estate Planning Attorney - A very cool document provided by Schromen Law, LLC that walks you through questions to ask while calling around for Estate Planning and Elder Law. State of Minnesota Power of Attorney Forms - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you. State of Minnesota Health Care Directive Form - If you’re interested in a DIY approach. A word of caution - these forms can seem deceivingly simple. We might recommend hiring a pro to help guide you. Low Income Resources:Mid Minnesota Legal AidLawHelpMN.OrgDo you have a hot tip for legal advice to share? Good resources beyond our state of Minnesota? Maybe you have a hilarious Laugh or Cry moment you want to contribute to our show. We want to hear from you ✨Find us on Instagram @ thesandwichgenerationpodJoin our community on SubstackEmail us: [email protected] our Website: thesandwichgenerationpod.com Chapters00:00 Meet Rachel Schromen: The Expert in Elder Law01:55 Rachel's Personal Journey with Grief and Law06:48 What the HELL is Power of Attorney?19:10 Segment: To Laugh or Cry20:36 Should I DIY the paperwork or hire a pro?28:22 Mental Capacity for the l

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• Episode 1: Introduction: What even IS the Sandwich Generation? And are YOU in it?

  Are you taking care of your young kids and aging parents? Are you feeling like you’re in the messy middle and you don’t know where to go? We felt the same way so we started this podcast ♡In this episode, we discuss the challenges faced by the sandwich generation, who are simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising young children. Our conversation introduces us, your charming co-hosts, Robyn Frank and Eliesa Johnson, as we share our personal experiences with being sandwiched. We also explore the emotional and financial burdens of caregiving, the importance of community support, and our hopes and dreams for The Sandwich Generation Pod and how we want YOU to be a part of it all! ✨Takeaways:Why is caregiving so emotionally and physically taxing?Community support is crucial!How isolation plays into the strugglesNavigating the complex process of Assisted LivingHumor as a coping mechanism is realBuild that community for much-needed support!Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Sandwich Generation Pod05:20 What IS Sandwich Generation?10:41 Our Hopes and Dreams for this Podcast14:19 Engagement and Community BuildingLinks and Resources:We want to hear from you and invite you to be a part of the community we are building! Do you want to share your story of being in The Sandwich Generation? Do you have a question or topic you’d love us to talk about? Maybe you have a very funny or terribly sad To Laugh or Cry Moment? We’d love to hear from you however you want to show up and you can find us in these spaces:Find us on Instagram @ thesandwichgenerationpodJoin our community on SubstackEmail us: [email protected] our Website: thesandwichgenerationpod.com

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