How to Survive As a Sandwich Generation Caregiver
About 47{bd9f03e602170f4a23ff38d216c71188cbb1d254f12989ac7c162b6d360d3356} of adults are a sandwich generation which includes people who are taking care of their children as well as their aging parents. Most of the adults and getting quite stressed out since they have a lot of responsibilities and face unique challenges every day. Dorothy Miller created the term sandwich generation and their different signs that help you know if you are part of the growing demographic.
The sandwich caregiver is about 40 to 50 years old raise small children and are responsible for an older child financially. People in this generation have full-time jobs and take care of their family, but female caregivers have more roles than men. The sandwich generation faces a lot of pressure, and they’re more likely to suffer from depression.
If you’re regularly taking care of your grandparents and grandchildren then you are known as a club sandwich caregiver. People known as sandwich generation caregivers have a difficult time fulfilling their roles at work since they have to take care of family commitments. Many Industries are paying attention to the sandwich generation and making sure they provide the proper support since they are often stressed, and least productive at work.
Benefits employees get through their companies such as financial Planning workshops and health incentives. Since there is more awareness regarding sandwich generation caregivers you can discuss with their human resource manager or check the benefits booklet for employees in your company to check out different offers. The sandwich generation caregivers are encouraged to visit a therapist regularly so they can learn healthy coping skills since research has shown they have high stress levels.
Communication is important when you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the responsibilities so recruiting family members to assist you and going for after-school programs helps calm your nerves. There are multiple support groups in your local area or online that will help you go through tough situations since you’ll meet people who face the same challenges and understand your position. Learning how to deal with elderly parents is essential especially because they need physical and emotional support due to their failing health condition.
Sometimes kids are affected by the obligations of a dual caregiver especially financially since their parents spend all the money as soon as they get it. You have to prioritize yourself as a dual caregiver and take works or meditate to clear your mind and plan your future.