The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide: Caring for your children, your parents, and yourself
Candace Dellacona, Esq. and Jodi Argentino, M.S., Esq. bring you a real, and sometimes, comedic, survival guide for people in the Sandwich Generation taking care of their children and parents, while balancing it all! This Podcast, delivered two times each month, is chock full of authentic discussions, real-world tips and resources, and advice from amazing intersectional experts, who will guide the audience through surviving, and thriving in, this tremendous balancing act we call life.
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Episode 12: Part 2- Proactive Planning Strategies with Geriatric Care Managers featuring Care Collective's Christine Davis
04/30/2024
Episode 12: Part 2- Proactive Planning Strategies with Geriatric Care Managers featuring Care Collective's Christine Davis
In episode 12, "Part 2: Proactive Planning Strategies with Geriatric Care Managers," continues her conversation with , the co-founder of . The episode delves into the importance of planning ahead for care and discusses how to initiate conversations with loved ones about setting up a care plan before a crisis occurs. Candace and Christine emphasize the significance of documents like the health care proxy, living will, and medical orders for life-sustaining treatment in outlining one's medical wishes and ensuring they are carried out effectively. They also highlight the role of the power of attorney in managing finances and accessing necessary care resources, underscoring the importance of thorough planning and understanding the available options. Throughout the episode, Candace and Christine provide valuable insights and guidance for listeners navigating the complexities of caring for aging loved ones. Learn more: Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: Instagram: LinkedIn:
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Episode 11: Part 1- Geriatric Care Managers featuring Care Collective's Christine Davis
04/16/2024
Episode 11: Part 1- Geriatric Care Managers featuring Care Collective's Christine Davis
In episode 11, "Part 1: Geriatric Care Managers," welcomes , the co-founder of . The episode delves into the pivotal role of geriatric care managers, professionals adept in nursing, social work, or gerontology, specializing in aiding older adults with healthcare management. Christine, drawing from her social work background, elaborates on care managers' responsibilities, which encompass orchestrating diverse aspects of care for clients. The discussion explores critical scenarios where care manager intervention proves indispensable, such as discharge planning from medical facilities and orchestrating home care. Christine underscores the significance of grasping a client's needs and priorities and advocating for their voice within the healthcare system. The episode also addresses challenges like remote care coordination and family conflicts, where care managers serve as mediators, translators, and advocates, prioritizing the client's well-being. Concluding on the importance of proactive planning for aging and healthcare needs, the episode sets the stage for exploring proactive planning strategies in the next installment. Learn more: Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: Follow Care Collective Nursing Care & Management: Instagram: LinkedIn:
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Episode 10: Death and Dying featuring Eileen Spillane
03/04/2024
Episode 10: Death and Dying featuring Eileen Spillane
In episode 10, "Death and Dying," welcomes , the founder of . Eileen discusses her background and how growing up in a family that normalized discussions around death influenced her perspective. She shares her experiences as a critical care nurse, particularly at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, gaining a unique perspective on life and death. Eileen explains how her encounters with death prompted her to start Befriending Death. The organization aims to facilitate open conversations about death and dying, providing people with the tools to approach these topics and make informed decisions. The episode delves into the importance of discussing end-of-life preferences early, the distinctions between palliative care and hospice, and the role of death doulas. The Befriending Death workshops, titled "Let's Chat About Death," are discussed, covering topics such as personal relationships with death, aging, and preparation for one's own end-of-life decisions. Eileen emphasizes the need to empower individuals and patients, giving them the tools to ask the right questions and make informed choices, ultimately restoring a sense of control and dignity. The episode concludes with a discussion of the community aspect of Befriending Death, fostering intimate conversations in a supportive group setting. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into approaching and normalizing discussions about death and dying, acknowledging the impact of such conversations on personal and professional aspects of life. Learn more: Eileen Spillane: Befriending Death: National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA): Follow Befriending Death: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube:
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Episode 9: Financial Planning featuring Ryan Rosegarten
02/14/2024
Episode 9: Financial Planning featuring Ryan Rosegarten
In episode 9, "Financial Planning," Jodi Argentino and Candace Dellacona of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide interview Ryan Rosegarten, a Senior Wealth Strategy Associate and Certified Financial Planner'™ at UBS Katz Wealth Management. The conversation explores challenges faced by the "Sandwich Generation" with a focus on financial planning, including saving for children's education while simultaneously saving for retirement. Ryan emphasizes the expanded role of financial planners, going beyond traditional investment management. He highlights their involvement in considering a client's overall financial situation, aiding in the creation of both short and long-term wealth-building and risk-management strategies. Jodi and Candace inquire about essential information for effective financial planning, with Ryan stressing the importance of understanding a client's complete financial picture and emotional connection to money. The discussion covers how personal backgrounds shape attitudes toward finances, and Ryan emphasizes the need for financial advisors to consider these emotional factors when offering guidance. The conversation also explores when to engage a financial planner, with Ryan noting that it's not tied to a specific income or asset threshold. Instead, it depends on factors such as the client's commitment to managing finances and the complexity of their financial situation.
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Episode 8: Communication Strategies in High Conflict Situations
12/01/2023
Episode 8: Communication Strategies in High Conflict Situations
In episode 8, "Communication Strategies in High Conflict Situations," The Sandwich Generation's Jodi Argentino and Candace Dellacona discuss effective communication in high-conflict situations, particularly relevant to the Sandwich Generation dealing with family issues. Jodi and Candace emphasize the pivotal role of communication across various aspects of life. They highlight a communication method called "B.I.F.F.," which stands for Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm. The hosts discuss the challenges of written communication, such as text messages, cautioning against blame, unsolicited advice, admonishments, and unnecessary apologies to sustain a constructive dialogue. Resources referenced in this episode: Bill Eddy, BIFF: Quick Responses to High Conflict People (2014) High Conflict Institute Marshall Rosenberg, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (2015) Overall, Jodi and Candace advise a communication approach that is informative, friendly, and firm to facilitate effective and efficient interactions, especially in emotionally charged situations. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi at [email protected] and Candace at [email protected].
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Episode 7: The Blind Side of Guardianships
11/01/2023
Episode 7: The Blind Side of Guardianships
We're back! In episode 7, "The Blind Side of Guardianships," The Sandwich Generation's Candace Dellacona and Jodi Argentino delve into the complex topics of guardianships and conservatorships. The hosts discuss these topics in the context of two high-profile cases: Michael Oher and Britney Spears. Candace and Jodi explain the legal distinctions between adoption, guardianship, and conservatorship as they highlight the importance of understanding these legal processes, especially in cases involving individuals with mental health or capacity issues. The discussion emphasizes the need for advanced planning, such as setting up power of attorney and healthcare proxies, to avoid resorting to guardianships. The episode also addresses the recent legal changes inspired by the Britney Spears case, aiming to protect individuals' rights in healthcare decisions. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi at [email protected] and Candace at [email protected].
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Episode 6: Aging in Place
08/17/2023
Episode 6: Aging in Place
In episode 6, "Aging in Place," The Sandwich Generation's Candace Dellacona and Jodi Argentino discuss the topic of aging in place and the importance of understanding the care options available for aging parents, family members, and loved ones. Aging in place refers to the concept of older adults continuing to live in their own homes or communities as they age and their care needs increase, rather than moving to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The goal of aging in place is to enable seniors to maintain their independence, autonomy, and quality of life while remaining in a familiar environment. However, Candace and Jodi also discuss how that option may only be appropriate, possible, or desirable for some. Candace & Jodi emphasize the need to advocate for aging loved ones and keep them in a safe and comfortable place where their needs are met, regardless of their physical limitations or mental capacity. Candace and Jodi share their personal family experiences and how to address individual needs and desires when care decisions are necessary. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi at [email protected] and Candace at [email protected].
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Episode 5: Miss Independence- Talking prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and planning
07/14/2023
Episode 5: Miss Independence- Talking prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and planning
In episode 5, "Miss Independence- Talking prenups, postnups, and planning," The Sandwich Generation's Candace Dellacona and Jodi Argentino discuss the importance of agreements to set you up for success. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive agreement, premarital or otherwise, that covers various aspects of a person's life, such as home, savings, children, and financial obligations. Jodi shares her experience drafting a prenuptial agreement and the common conversation starters, sticking points, and issues people should discuss before making a significant commitment to another person (or persons). Candace and Jodi talk about acknowledging the past, protecting your present, and planning for the future to maintain independence! If you are interested in learning more or have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi at and Candace at
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Episode 4: Aging with Visibility- Advocating for Our Elderly LGBTQ+ Loved Ones
06/28/2023
Episode 4: Aging with Visibility- Advocating for Our Elderly LGBTQ+ Loved Ones
In episode 4, “Aging with Visibility: Advocating for Our Elderly LGBTQ+ Loved Ones,” The Sandwich Generation’s Candace Dellacona and Jodi Argentino are joined by special guests, Sadiya Abjani, Director of Training and Instructional Design, and Nicholas Watson, Managing Director of Social Enterprises, from SAGE, the leading LGBTQ+ aging experts, to discuss the unique issues and challenges that LGBTQ+ older adults face, as well as some of the resources and services that SAGE provides across the United States. SAGE is America's oldest and largest non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults. If you are or know an older LGBTQ+ adult that can benefit from SAGE’s services, please visit the SAGE website at If you are an LGBTQ+ elder or care for one, call the free national SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline, toll-free, at 877-360-LGBT(5428). The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish, with translation in 180 languages.
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Episode 3: I’m Coming Out!
06/13/2023
Episode 3: I’m Coming Out!
"I'm Coming Out!" When your child comes out as LGBTQIA+, it takes a village to support, love, and affirm them in the best possible ways. Jodi and Candace talk about how you can support your child through their LGBTQIA+ journey!
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Episode 2: Survival of the Fittest
05/30/2023
Episode 2: Survival of the Fittest
Jodi and Candace discuss the concept of true self-care...of putting on your own oxygen mask first so that you can take care of those around you
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Episode 1: What is the Sandwich Generation?
05/12/2023
Episode 1: What is the Sandwich Generation?
Welcome to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide! Jodi and Candace talk about what the sandwich generation is, how this idea came about, and how this survival guide will help you!
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