The sandwich generation is a term used to describe adults who are caring for their aging parents. This is also while raising their own children. This can be a difficult balancing act. Many people in the sandwich generation feel like they are being squeezed from both sides. Caring for elderly parents can be expensive and time-consuming, while raising children can be demanding and exhausting. If you are part of the sandwich generation, don’t worry – you are not alone! In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation. We will try and offer some tips for coping.
Who Falls Under This?
People who provide long-term care to both older relatives and growing children are often referred to as the “Sandwich Generation,” since they have responsibilities pressing in on both sides. What do these sandwiched family caregivers need — both to help their family members and to help themselves?
The Sandwich Generation Report, conducted by online life insurance agency Haven Life, interviewed 1,078 participants between the ages of 30-55 years old who self-identified as providing care or decision-making support to both a dependent child (or children) and aging parents. Our goal was to learn more about why the Sandwich Generation feels the most strain. We wanted also see what they believe could provide the most help. This is while they continue to navigate this financially and emotionally difficult life stage.
Things That Overwhelm Them
Whether those in the Sandwich Generation are actively involved in day-to-day parental care or are trying to have difficult conversations with older relatives from a distance, balancing new caregiving responsibilities with existing responsibilities to partners, young children and careers becomes extremely difficult — and extremely stressful.
The Sandwich Generation needs help with financial planning, decision-making and mental health
What do Sandwich Generation caregivers want? More support. When asked what would help to reduce their stress, the top three choices selected by respondents included access to a mental health professional (63%), decision-making support from their family (61%) and a financial advisor (57%). And, if given the choice, they’d prefer those kinds of long-term support systems over day-to-day support like childcare or in-home care.
What Do They Suffer From?
The Sandwich Generation is more likely to experience negative health effects from their caregiving responsibilities. When asked about the physical and mental health problems they currently suffer from, those in the Sandwich Generation were most likely to say they experienced anxiety (32%), depression (30%) or high blood pressure (26%).
If you are part of the sandwich generation, you are not alone. Many people are in the same situation as you, and there are ways to cope with the challenges you face. In this blog post, we have discussed some of the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation. We will offer some tips for coping. We hope that this information is helpful to you. Also, we would like that you would find some relief from the stress of being a caregiver. Remember, you are not alone! There is help available, and you will get through this.
Is There Any Relief For Them?
Yes, there is some relief for the sandwich generation. While this group of family caregivers faces unique challenges, they also have access to unique resources and support systems. Here are some tips for coping with the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation:
- Talk to someone: As we mentioned before, one of the best things you can do for your mental health is to talk to someone about the stress you are under. This can be a friend, family member, therapist, or any other support system. Just talking about what you are going through can help you to feel better and may give you some new perspectives on your situation.
- Take breaks: It is important to take breaks from your caregiving responsibilities, even if it is just for a little while. This can help you to recharge and may make it easier for you to handle the challenges of caregiving.
- Ask for help: Asking for help is not always easy, but it is important to do if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are many people and organizations that can help you with the challenges of caregiving. Do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
- Find a support group: There are many support groups available for family caregivers. This can be a great way to meet other people who are in similar situations and to get advice and support from others who understand what you are going through.
In Closing
We hope that these tips are helpful to you and that you will find some relief from the stress of being a caregiver. Remember, you are not alone! There is help available, and you will get through this. Thank you for reading.
What are your thoughts on the sandwich generation? Let us know in the