The Sandwich Generation of Caregivers
In our society, being a caregiver is thoroughly underappreciated. With the high expectations and weight placed on work, people who are raising young children or caring for older adults often feel squeezed for time and space to breathe. This is because caregiving is a huge commitment that often eclipses all aspects of life.
The sandwich generation of caregivers, a term for adults caring for children under 18 and an older parent or family member, is especially overloaded. In a study that sought to learn more about this group, researchers found that they spend the same amount of time caring for older family members as non-sandwich caregivers, and were more likely to have a career (Lei et al.). This group also showed a higher likelihood of emotional difficulties, which makes sense given the amount of pressure they face both at home and at work.
As the aging population continues to increase and the younger generation declines, more and more people in the sandwich generation (about a quarter of the adult U.S. population) will feel this struggle, both mentally and financially. Here are some resources if you are part of the sandwich generation of caregivers, or care about someone who is:
- Family Caregiver Alliance: offers comprehensive resources and a free online web portal for all things related to caregiving, including articles, support groups, lists of local services, event listings, and more
- Arch National Respite Network: provides a directory of respite providers, so you can find people to help care for your loved ones when you can’t be there, in an emergency or as a planned break for your personal health
- Eldercare Locator: government service that connects older adults and their families to legal, housing, insurance, health, transportation, and other support services
While caregiving for parents and older family members is challenging, it’s a continuation of the choice we all make to harvest love and beauty throughout our lives in our relationships. To all you beautiful caregivers out there, we wish you strength and peace.
