The silent struggle of caring for both aging parents and growing children simultaneously affects countless Americans, yet few are prepared for the legal complications that arise. In this eye-opening episode, elder law attorney Bob Mannor and certified dementia practitioner Savannah Meksto unpack the challenges of the "sandwich generation" and provide critical guidance for avoiding costly mistakes.

Most families wait until a crisis hits before addressing essential legal preparations, often discovering too late that decades-old documents are insufficient or outdated. As Bob explains, having the right "lifetime documents" in place—specifically separate powers of attorney for medical and financial matters—is crucial before cognitive decline begins. Without these protections, families may face court proceedings that remove decision-making from their hands entirely.

The conversation tackles common misconceptions, like assuming the oldest child should automatically serve as power of attorney or naming multiple children simultaneously to avoid playing favorites. Instead, Bob recommends selecting individuals based on trustworthiness, capability, and willingness to serve, while establishing a clear order of succession. When family disagreements inevitably arise, professional moderation can prevent escalation to courtroom battles where everyone loses.

Beyond legal considerations, Savannah highlights the emotional toll on caregivers caught between multiple responsibilities. Self-care becomes essential, as does recognizing when professional support services are needed. Manor Law Group's care navigation team helps families identify appropriate care options and government benefits that can ease financial burdens.

If you find yourself nodding along or feeling that knot in your stomach, know that you aren't alone. The sandwich generation experience is challenging, but with proper legal planning and emotional support, you can navigate this journey with confidence and protect those who depend on you. Reach out to Manor Law Group today to develop a comprehensive plan before crisis strikes.

Host: Attorney Bob Mannor

Cohost: Savannah Meksto

Executive Producer: Savannah Meksto

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ABOUT US:
Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.

We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...