Janet is 16 years old. She and her seven-year-old sister, Samantha, live with their parents in a comfortable home. Janet likes her privacy, so she is glad she and Samantha each have their own rooms. Janet and Samantha share a bathroom, but their parents have a separate bathroom attached to their bedroom. All the bedrooms are located on the second floor of the house. Janet attends eAchieve high school and has a part-time job at a local restaurant, she works 4 nights a week, from 6-10 pm. Samantha, on the other hand, attends a local grade school and plays soccer three nights per week. Practices are 15 miles away from home and begin at 4:00 pm.
Downstairs, Janet’s mother has created an office space for Janet to work on school work, it used to be an extra bedroom. Janet needs a quiet place to work so this has been ideal. The kitchen, dining room and a guest bathroom are also located on that level of the house. The family has two cars and 16-year-old Janet has her driver's license.
Janet’s grandmother lives across town in a one-bedroom apartment. She values her independence. However, failing health has recently made it hard for her to care for herself. Arthritis in her hands makes it difficult for her to do many cooking and housekeeping tasks. She has trouble going up and down stairs. Her hearing is not good, and she is often forgetful. Her doctor recommends that someone be with her most of the time to help her get around and to remind her to take her medication.
Answer the following questions:
1. How is this an example of a family in the sandwich generation? Explain.
2. What is one detailed solution to this problem? Explain.
3. How has the grandmother's role in this family changed over time?
4. How has the mother's role in this family changed over time?
5. How might the teenager's role need to change in this family?
6. List 3 suggestions as to how this family can maintain a respectful caring climate in the current situation?
a.
b.
c.
