The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide

Candace Dellacona welcomes Vanessa Grigoriadis, acclaimed investigative journalist, co-founder of Campside Media, and host of the new podcast So Your Parents Are Old, to The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide. Vanessa shares her personal journey into caregiving after her father’s cancer diagnosis and caring for an aging parent, sparking a candid conversation about what it really means to be in the sandwich generation. From difficult financial and long-term care conversations to navigating memory loss, this episode pulls back the curtain on the emotional and logistical realities families face every day. Raw, honest, and deeply relatable, this conversation highlights why proactive planning, community support, and open dialogue matter—and how podcasting has become a powerful tool for bringing these often-quiet conversations into the open. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:20 Vanessa's Background and Upbringing04:34 Career Highlights and Personal Life07:33 The Turning Point: Parents' Health Decline09:15 Navigating Financial and Caregiving Challenges16:28 Creating a Supportive Community22:26 The Importance of Addressing Elder Care31:05 Conclusion and Podcast InformationTo subscribe to Vanessa’s podcast, So Your Parents Are Old, visit https://join.campsidemedia.com/podcastFollow Vanessa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-grigoriadis-b44257207/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dean Blandino, Fox Sports NFL and College Football Rules Analyst and former VP of NFL Officiating. Dean shares his journey from playing sports in New York to becoming an influential figure in sports officiating, offering insights into career pivots and balancing professional obligations with personal life. The discussion delves into his family dynamics, the challenges of being part of the 'sandwich generation,' and the importance of communication and planning in caregiving. Dean also highlights his approach to self-care and maintaining a positive outlook amidst the stresses of work and family responsibilities.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:48 Dean Blandino's Background and Career Journey 04:32 Challenges and Pivots in Dean's Career 10:56 Family Dynamics and the Sandwich Generation 20:25 Balancing Work, Family, and Self-Care 25:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dan Krutoy, a tech industry expert who shares advice for seniors who are often targeted by scammers using social engineering tactics, as well as tips for parents on securing their children's devices. Their conversation dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity for families, the importance of awareness, training, and multifactor authentication to protect against cyber threats. Dan also shares the steps to take if a cybersecurity breach occurs. This insightful episode highlights the balance between technological convenience and the necessity of protective measures.00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide00:59 Meet Dan Krutoy: Cybersecurity Expert02:10 Understanding Cyber Threats in the Modern World05:08 Protecting Seniors from Cyber Scams08:35 Social Media Safety Tips17:17 Cybersecurity for Children and Teens23:00 What to Do If You've Been Hacked25:20 Final Thoughts and Future ConcernsTo learn more about Pro4ia, visit their website at https://pro4ia.com/Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkrutoy/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Genice Lee from Harvest Estate and Appraisals. They discuss the importance of legacy, the role of passion assets in preserving family history, and how Genice’s personal experiences have shaped her professional journey. Genice shares valuable insights on appraising sentimental items, the significance of documentation and inventories, and the overlooked value of family paperwork. They also delve into the unique challenges faced by African American families in preserving their cultural artifacts. Tune in to learn practical tips for estate planning and the importance of storytelling in family legacies.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Genice Lee's Background and Expertise01:55 The Importance of Legacy and Stories02:58 Genice's Personal Journey into Appraising05:43 Challenges in Estate Management09:47 Sentimental vs. Monetary Value17:05 Preserving African American Artifacts29:30 The Role of Technology in Legacy Preservation31:46 Conclusion and Contact InformationTo learn more about Harvest Estate & Appraisal Services, visit their website at https://www.harvestestateandappraisals.com/To learn more about Genice Lee, visit her profile on the International Society of Appraisers website at https://www.isa-appraisers.org/find-an-appraiser/profile/12796/genice-r-leeFollow Genice on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genice-lee-asa-isa-am-a6b22929/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvest4you_/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona celebrates National Adoption Month by welcoming intellectual property attorney Michele Katz to discuss her journey with adoption and the creation of the Plus One Adoption Foundation. Michele shares her personal experiences, the challenges of adopting both infants and older children, and how her foundation aims to provide reliable resources and support to families looking to adopt. The discussion highlights the emotional and logistical aspects of adoption, the support and resources provided by the foundation to adoptive families, and the importance of changing the narrative around adoption. Michele also touches on key aspects like credible resources, post-placement support, and building a community for adoptive families. As an extra, Michele talks about her private wine label, Wine for Good®, which supports the foundation. Tune in to learn more about transforming adoption experiences and supporting adoptive families.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Michele's Adoption Journey Begins04:17 Adopting an Older Child08:17 Founding Plus One Adoption Foundation12:51 Navigating the Adoption Process19:12 Post-Placement Support and Resources25:35 Community and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Plus One Adoption Foundation, visit their website at https://plusoneadoption.org/Follow Plus One Adoption Foundation on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plus-one-adoption-foundation-inc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusoneadoption/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plusoneadoptionEmail Plus One Adoption Foundation: admin@plusoneadoption.org

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jason Brown, a legacy strategist and entrepreneur. Jason shares his compelling life story from being a young entrepreneur in California to dealing with the tragic loss of his wife. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and having essential conversations about legacy and end-of-life planning. Jason introduces his innovative 'Legacy Card Deck,' designed to facilitate meaningful discussions on topics such as medical decisions, financial planning, love, and personal legacy. Jason's profound personal experiences and insights make this episode a valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenges of the sandwich generation while searching for the tools and insights needed to prepare for the future and create a lasting impact.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:12 Jason Brown's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Journey04:41 Meeting His Wife and Starting a Family07:24 A Life-Changing Diagnosis18:06 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose23:05 Creating the Legacy Card Deck34:20 Advice on Medical Power of Attorney41:24 Expanding the Legacy Conversation46:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about The Legacy Card Deck, visit https://thelegacycarddeck.com/Subscribe to the When What If Happens podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@whenwhatifhappensFollow Jason and The Legacy Card Deck on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasondowntownbrown/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legacycarddeck/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Albert Eshoo and Joyce Barocas, owners of Right at Home Home Care in New York City. They discuss their paths into the home care industry and delve into the new Medicare GUIDE Program, designed to assist families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The discussion covers the limitations of traditional Medicare coverage, the importance of activities of daily living (ADLs), and the significant benefits of the GUIDE program, including free access to care navigators and respite care. The episode provides listeners with comprehensive insights on how to effectively utilize home care services and the GUIDE program to maintain their loved ones' independence and improve the quality of life for caregivers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:29 Getting into Home Care: Personal Stories03:22 Understanding the Home Care Crisis04:44 Medicare and Home Care: The Basics08:22 Introducing the GUIDE Program12:46 Steps to Access the GUIDE Program15:24 Comprehensive Services of the GUIDE Program22:06 Training and Safety in Home Care27:41 When to Call a Professional36:06 Conclusion and Contact InformationTo learn more about Right at Home, visit their website at https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattanFor RightConversation resources, visit https://www.rightathome.net/lower-manhattan/resources/guides/right-conversationsFollow Right at Home on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RightatHomeCareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RightAtHomeLowerManhattanTwitter: https://x.com/rightathomeNY Connect with Albert and Joyce on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberteshoo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycebarocas/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Rachel Welch, a women’s pre and postnatal fitness pioneer and founder of Revolution Motherhood, and her new program created to help pre-, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Rachel discusses the crucial role self-care plays in women's health, the motivation behind creating Revolution Motherhood, and the importance of valuing and understanding women's bodies through different life stages. She also offers advice on finding trusted healthcare providers and cutting through the noise of abundant but inconsistent health information, particularly in the menopause space. The conversation underscores the necessity of community and support for women, especially those in the sandwich generation.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:11 Rachel's Journey and Revolution Motherhood06:18 The Importance of Self-Care14:09 Navigating the Healthcare System25:21 Building a Supportive Community36:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTo learn more about Revolution Motherhood, visit their website at https://www.revolutionmotherhood.com/Connect with Revolution Motherhood on social media:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolution-motherhood/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revolutionmotherhood/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionMotherhoodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/revolutionmotherhood

In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes  Ben Kruger, a thought leader in modern healthcare. Ben shares his journey from a career in Hollywood to co-founding Sollis Health, a company providing concierge urgent and emergent care, and his latest venture, Appian, which aims to holistically support aging adults and their families.Ben discusses the inspiration behind his ventures, the complexities of the US healthcare system, and the importance of proactive planning in aging well. The conversation emphasizes the significance of early engagement, active listening, and creating a supportive infrastructure for aging loved ones, touching on the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the sandwich generation.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:54 Ben Kruger's Journey from Hollywood to Healthcare10:46 The Birth of Sollis Health17:17 The Concept and Growth of Concierge Care20:48 Introducing Appian25:23 The Importance of Planning for Aging30:28 Engaging in Conversations About Aging44:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Ben on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-kruger-35a745b/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Jack Wang, a wealth advisor at Innovative Advisory Group and host of 'The Smart College Buyer' podcast. They discuss Jack's journey from commercial banking to wealth advising with a focus on college financial aid planning. Jack provides in-depth strategies on how families can maximize financial aid, the importance of early planning, and the nuances of different aid sources. They also explore the role of grandparents and other family members in contributing to college costs, and the implications of different types of contributions. Jack offers practical advice for parents to ensure they are financially prepared for their child's college education without compromising their own financial stability. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips for securing financial aid and making informed decisions about paying for college.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Jack Wang's Background and Career Journey02:00 Transition to College Financial Aid Planning05:18 Early College Financial Planning13:55 Understanding Financial Aid and Scholarships28:39 Navigating Student Loans and Family Finances33:30 Grandparents' Role in College Funding39:47 Conclusion and Podcast Promotion To subscribe to the Smart College Buyer, visit https://smartcollegebuyer.podbean.com/Follow Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejackwang/

In this episode of 'The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide,' host Candace Dellacona welcomes Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a distinguished Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and commander, NATO mission leader, instructor at the National Test Pilot School, and author of 'Final Approach, a Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones.' Jonathan shares his impressive background, from leading high-stakes military missions to training elite military pilots, through his journey as a caregiver for his parents and the heartfelt motivation behind writing his book. He discusses the skills he learned as a decorated military pilot and commander in the RCAF, how he used those skills when dealing with the complexities of caregiving, and the emotional and practical challenges of advocating for loved ones with dementia. Jonathan provides valuable advice on how to maintain the dignity of your aging loved ones and how to manage caregiver burnout. Jonathan and Candace also discuss the importance of community and self-care all while navigating this demanding role.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Jonathan Knaul's Background and Career02:21 Writing the Book: A Love Letter to Parents04:18 Stories of Jonathan's Parents07:28 Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving13:45 Decision Making and Family Dynamics26:38 Caregiver Burnout and Final Thoughts28:30 Conclusion and Community ResourcesTo purchase Jonathan’s book and subscribe to his newsletter, visit https://finalapproachbook.com/.

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona speaks with Nicole àBeckett and Dr. Shruti Roy, co-founders of the innovative technology platform Hero Generation. Nicole and Shruti share their personal caregiving experiences that inspired them to create Hero Generation, a comprehensive web-based tool designed to support family caregivers. This first of its kind technology provides Sandwich Generation members medical and legal resources, tools to organize and manage caregiving responsibilities, and a community to help caregivers manage the emotional and logistical challenges they face. The discussion highlights the important role that technology can play in caregiving and how technology can support, organize, and manage these responsibilities. Candace commends the founders for their mission-driven approach and the value Hero Generation brings to caregivers.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:51 Nicole's Caregiving Journey 04:15 Shruti's Caregiving Experience 06:46 The Hero Generation Platform 07:40 Platform Features and Benefits 11:23 Community and Support for Caregivers 25:32 Accessing Hero Generation 28:19 Closing Remarks and GratitudeFor more information about Hero Generation, visit https://www.herogen.co/Follow Hero Generation on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/herogeneration/https://www.instagram.com/hero__generation/https://www.facebook.com/weareHeroGeneration

Join host Candace Dellacona in this insightful episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, featuring Dr. Gerda Maissel, founder of My MD Advisor. Candace and Dr. Maissel discuss “solo agers” and the unique challenges they face. Learn about critical strategies for single people as they age, including building community, ensuring proper medical care, and legal planning to navigate aging independently or with limited family support. This episode provides valuable insights for both solo agers and their loved ones!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:30 Dr. Gerda Maissel's Background and My MD Advisor01:07 Personal Story: The Catalyst for My MD Advisor02:29 Challenges in the Healthcare System05:30 The Concept of Solo Aging09:14 Fears and Realities of Solo Agers22:56 Building Community and Support Networks25:52 Legal and Medical Preparations for Solo Agers29:38 When to Seek Professional Help31:45 Conclusion and Contact InformationFor more information about My MD Advisor, visit: https://www.mymdadvisor.com/Follow My MD Advisor on social media:https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-md-advisor/https://www.facebook.com/MyMDAdvisor/

In this episode of the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by Neal Shah and Sydney Rosbury from CareYaya, an innovative platform transforming the elder care industry.Neal shares his journey from Wall Street to full-time caregiver to founder of CareYaya. The CareYaya on-line platform connects university students with seniors in need of companion-level care, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional home care. Sydney, a pre-med senior at the University of Michigan, discusses the intergenerational experiences and the invaluable skills she gained as a caregiver with CareYaya. Additionally, Neal introduces Counterforce Health, a new project utilizing AI to assist families in appealing denied health insurance claims, aiming to alleviate caregiver stress. The episode highlights the importance of personalized, affordable care and the growing need for innovative solutions in the aging population.00:00 Introduction to the Sandwich Generation Survival Guide 01:19 Meet Neal Shah: From Finance to Caregiving 03:58 The Birth of CareYaya 05:24 Sydney Rosbury's Journey with CareYaya 07:10 What is CareYaya? 08:39 Innovations and Impact of CareYaya 12:49 Challenges in the Care Industry 19:30 CareYaya's Expansion and Future Plans 29:19 Exciting New Projects: Counterforce Health 32:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona interviews Beth Weeks, a registered nurse and co-founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York.Beth discusses the complexities of senior housing, including options such as aging in place, independent living, and assisted living facilities. She shares her personal journey that led her to specialize in senior care, as well as the mission of her consultancy to bring clarity, transparency, and advocacy to families navigating these decisions. The conversation covers the importance of safety, financial planning, and the evolving landscape of senior housing that is becoming more inclusive of diverse communities and specialized needs.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:02 The Growing Senior Population 01:43 Beth's Background and Motivation 03:21 Challenges in Senior Housing 05:10 Different Senior Housing Options 05:55 Safety Concerns for Aging in Place 08:36 Independent Living vs. Assisted Living 14:30 When to Consider Skilled Nursing 18:03 Cost Considerations and Financial Planning 27:00 The Future of Senior Living Communities 29:41 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFor more information on Senior Living Consultants of New York, visit: https://www.slcofny.com/

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by financial planner and author Sherry Finkel Murphy. They discuss the unique challenges of the 'Triple Decker Sandwich Generation,' a term coined to describe the multitasking demands of caring for aging parents, children, and grandchildren simultaneously. Sherry shares her experiences and strategies for managing these responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of stopping self-reproach, advocating for oneself and planning wisely.Highlights include the significance of 'radical flexibility,' the concept of a 'Forget You Fund' for financial independence, and ways to find joy and self-care amidst multigenerational obligations. Sherry also delves into the historical context of increasing life expectancy and its impact on family dynamics, offering practical advice for living a fulfilling life even when caught between generations.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:24 Sherry's Background and Skillset01:17 The Concept of Madrina Molly™02:37 Challenges of the ‘Triple Decker Sandwich Generation’04:22 Financial Planning for Women09:29 Housing and Flexibility16:23 Living in the Now and Financial Tips24:25 The ‘Forget You Fund’ and Career Pivots31:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFor more information, visit:https://www.madrinamolly.com/Follow Madrina Molly on social media:https://www.facebook.com/MadrinaMollyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/madrina-molly/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmG0qLrw9eZZoEKYD2WyQA

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes entrepreneurial power couple Kass and Mike Lazerow. They discuss their book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, which details how to successfully build your business, and shares the harsh realities and joys of entrepreneurship.During the episode, Kass and Mike delve into their origin story, the importance of picking the right partner in business as in life, and how they support the entrepreneurial community through investments and mentorship. They reveal their four-part approach—vision, communication, mindset, and workload—and the creation of their Go-Gauge™ to help evaluate business ideas. Kass and Mike also discuss work-life balance, offering personal anecdotes about juggling family life with running a business, the significance of modeling good behavior for their children, and the importance of consistency in both personal and professional spheres. The episode wraps up with a note on their continued commitment to giving back through initiatives like Cycle for Survival.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Kass and Mike's Origin Story02:34 Entrepreneurial Journey and Book Inspiration04:16 Writing the Book Together06:22 The Importance of Picking the Right Partner15:22 The Go-Gauge™ and Evaluating Business Ideas22:22 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship29:28 Modeling Success for Kids and Founders34:38 Conclusion and Book Pre-order InformationTo preorder Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story, visit:shovelingshit.comFor more information on Kass and Mike, visit:kassandmike.comcycleforsurvival.orgFollow Kass and Mike on social media:https://www.facebook.com/kassandmikehttps://www.instagram.com/kassandmikehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/kassandmike/https://www.tiktok.com/@kassandmikehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgLzz0yep6lUaE5i62zMXTw 

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Katie Schumacher, founder of Don't Press Send, to discuss the challenges and responsibilities faced by the sandwich generation when managing children's internet usage, the emotional disconnect fostered by screens, and the importance of teaching empathy.Katie shares her journey of creating Don't Press Send, offers tips for parents and teachers on promoting digital wellness, and underscores the crucial role of mindful social media usage. She also dives into practical strategies for dealing with cyberbullying and the negative impact of social media on children's mental health. The episode concludes with actionable advice on how to create a supportive environment for kids navigating the digital landscape.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:42 The Birth of Don't Press Send01:44 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Children03:25 Teaching Empathy and Emotional Connection06:30 Practical Tips for Parents and Children08:33 Digital Wellbeing and Cyber Civics11:21 The Pressure of Social Media and Parental Responsibility15:39 Supporting Children Through Online Mistakes18:59 The Impact of Parental Involvement19:20 Challenges Faced by Today's Children19:56 Parental Intervention Strategies22:46 School's Role in Addressing Online Issues25:15 The Ripple Effect of Tragedies26:37 Guiding Children in the Digital Age32:05 The Importance of Attention and Presence33:49 Resources and Final ThoughtsFor more information, visit:https://dontpresssend.com/Don't Press Send TEDx TalkTo purchase Katie’s books, visit:https://dontpresssendbook.com/https://byebyewifibook.com/Follow Don’t Press Send on social media:FacebookInstagramTikTokXMedium

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona welcomes Karen Covy, a distinguished divorce coach and attorney dedicated to helping her clients navigate the divorce process.Karen shares her journey from a traditional matrimonial lawyer to a divorce coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's options when preparing for divorce. She discusses the role of a divorce coach, the stages of divorce decision-making, and the cost-effectiveness of hiring a coach.The conversation covers the collaborative approach involving lawyers and coaches, mediation versus litigation, and the preparation required for an amicable divorce. Karen highlights how a divorce coach can make the divorce process less painful and more efficient, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients.(00:00) - Introduction and Guest Announcement (00:35) - Karen Covey's Background and Transition (03:21) - The Role of a Divorce Coach (05:12) - Client Experiences and Benefits (12:04) - Economic Considerations and Efficiency (17:42) - Mediation vs. Divorce Coaching (25:22) - Final Advice and Contact Information For more information, visit Karen's website: karencovy.com.Follow Karen on social media:LinkedInFacebookTwitterYouTube

In this episode of The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide, host Candace Dellacona is joined by award-winning author Phil Callaway. Phil shares his inspiring journey into surviving the Sandwich Generation by finding the humor and discovering the vital role that laughter plays in navigating life's family challenges as a caregiver.Phil discusses his acclaimed book, “Family Squeeze,” detailing his experiences as a caregiver for his aging parents while also raising his own children, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by the sandwich generation. He provides insights on family dynamics and the importance of professional care, while offering encouragement for caregivers and emphasizing the necessity of self-care practices like laughter and finding confidants to share their experiences.Throughout the conversation, Phil underscores the profound impact of how maintaining humor during tough times can have on a positive effect on the whole family.Welcome (00:07)Guest background (01:26)Finding the humor (03:46)“Family Squeeze” and the sandwich generation (08:24)Caregiving challenges and family dynamics (17:45)Self-care for the sandwich generation (23:26)Final thoughts (25:34)Learn more about Phil Callaway, and purchase your copy of “Family Squeeze”:Phil's WebsiteFollow Phil on social media:FacebookTwitterYouTube