"Three women discuss their challenging roles as 'sandwich carers,' juggling multiple demanding care responsibilities"
In the highly pressurized world of sandwich caring, seeking out guidance and help is essential. This article explores the multifaceted caregiving challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation in the UK and US, and the resources available to offer emotional support and practical input.
The Sandwich generation refers to adults who are caring for both their aging parents and their own children. In the UK, an estimated 1.4 million adults belong to this demographic, with the number in the US approximating 11 million [1]. The majority of Sandwich generation carers in the UK are women aged 35-64 [2].
Balancing caregiving responsibilities, work, and other commitments can create immense pressure. As a result, many Sandwich generation carers report feeling stressed, low on money, and short on time [3]. This pressure also contributes to increased staff absence, turnover, and stress in workplaces, costing UK businesses billions annually [1].
The mental health impact of being a Sandwich generation carer is significant. The Office for National Statistics found that 31% of Sandwich carers in the UK report symptoms of depression or anxiety, compared to 24% in the general population. 19% of Sandwich carers are diagnosed with depression, compared to 13% among all adults [3].
One example of a Sandwich carer is Sarah Gates, who has been supporting her granny, father, and mother for eight years. She left her full-time lecturing job to be able to regularly visit her parents and grandmother. When her father died five years ago, Sarah turned to Age UK for help, who organized a carer for her mother [3].
Resources available to the Sandwich Generation include community support platforms such as The Sandwich Club in the US, which provides a supportive network to help lighten the caregiving load [2]. In the UK, Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline (0800 888 6678 or [email protected]), Carers UK, Action for Carers, and Citizens Advice are good sources of advice for caregivers [4].
Educational and wellness talks, such as TEDx presentations, offer psychological insights and coping strategies for caregivers balancing their dual roles [5]. Workplace initiatives and diversity and inclusion programs aimed at reducing caregiver stress and associated economic losses are also beneficial [1].
Advocacy for policy changes focused on better supporting family caregivers through improved healthcare coordination, labor protections, and funding is crucial [3]. Parenting support interventions in the UK aimed at improving children's development outcomes, although many programs exist, require better evaluation, evidence, and tailoring to effectively support families' diverse needs [4].
Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a Professor of Public Health, advises lowering expectations, accepting help, and protecting time for oneself as strategies for coping with caregiving responsibilities [5]. Victoria Lyons, a dementia specialist who works at Dementia UK, recommends using devices like a Ring doorbell and dementia clock, as well as noticeboards, pictures, and signage, as practical steps for caregiving [3].
Despite Victoria Lyons' training as a dementia specialist and being an Admiral Nurse, her caregiving role at home puts significant strain on her family [3]. Obtaining Power of Attorney (PoA) for health and finance is a vital early step in caregiving, enabling caregivers to manage medical decisions, pay bills, and order groceries [4].
In summary, the Sandwich Generation faces multifaceted caregiving challenges that impact their economic stability, mental health, and overall well-being. While some support exists through communities, parenting programs, and advocacy, more systemic improvements in healthcare, workplace policies, and caregiver resources are needed to alleviate their burden effectively.
- The Sandwich Generation, comprising adults who care for both their aging parents and children, consists of an estimated 1.4 million individuals in the UK and 11 million in the US.
- Balancing caregiving responsibilities, work, and other commitments often leads to feelings of stress, financial strain, and time poverty among Sandwich Generation carers.
- The mental health impact of being a Sandwich generation carer is substantial, with 31% of carers in the UK reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety, compared to 24% in the general population.
- Resources available to the Sandwich Generation include community support platforms such as The Sandwich Club in the US, educational and wellness talks, and helplines like Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline in the UK.
- Strategies for coping with caregiving responsibilities include lowering expectations, accepting help, and protecting time for oneself, as advised by Professor Rachael Piltch-Loeb.
- Practical steps for caregiving, such as obtaining Power of Attorney (PoA) for health and finance, using devices like a Ring doorbell and dementia clock, and having noticeboards, pictures, and signage, can help ease the strain on caregivers and their families.
