The Sandwich Generation is the generation in the middle, caring for the top layer, aging parents, while raising the bottom layer, their children. The phrase was coined in 1981 by a social worker, who recognized the struggles and realized it was like a sandwich, caught in the middle. The term made its way to the English Oxford Dictionary in 2003.
The Sandwich Generation has their work cut out for them. The incidence of stress is extremely high as they maneuver both sides of their family lineage. Some interesting facts from the PEW Center show about 23% of US adults are now part of the Sandwich Generation, caring for at least one parent aged 65 or older and raising a child under age 18 or providing financial support to an adult child.
Looking at the age break down of the Sandwich Generation the PEW Research Center says 54% are in their 40’s, 36% are in their 50’s and 27% are in their 30’s. The Sandwich Generation is fluid and not hard set by a generational group such as Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
Additional information from the PEW Research Center can be found at https://pewrsr.ch/3vazMQa
When looking at how the middle of the Sandwich can be impacted, there are several things to be considered which include, employment, income, education, and marital status. The Sandwich Generation often carries a financial burden on both sides of the sandwich. It becomes a larger challenge when care needs for the over-65 loved one becomes part of the equation. Primarily, the time invested in care is often unpaid and unrecognized and carries a financial obligation. This is also the case for caring for children or young adults who may be attending college.
Working with an Aging Life Care Manager® will help those in the middle figure out ways to streamline care, get assistance as needed, find respite care for time away, and learn to manage the aging care in a way that is less stressful. Finding balance in the chaos is possible and we love helping families find that balance. Often getting assistance with the aging life challenges leads to a better quality of life in raising your children and eases the pressure of being in the middle of the sandwich.
There is no question too small or too large. Your loved ones may be needing assistance with medications, being safe in their home, or transportation. They may need to be monitored for health changes or perhaps there is a need for companionship. These concerns can be accomplished through home visits by the care manager who will keep you informed every step of the way.
There is relief if you are stuck in the middle and we are ready to help you find a way to relieve that stress. Please give us a call at 850-894-6720 or email us at info@gcmsolutions.net today to find out how we can help.
