The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Elder Care with Career and Children

Caring for a loved one might feel like an act of love, but for many Americans, it can also be one of the biggest challenges life throws at you. The term “Sandwich Generation” refers to adults who find themselves caring for aging parents while also raising children of their own.

This generation is not a small group. It’s an ever-growing demographic that reflects people living longer, smaller family sizes, and cultural shifts. While many might embrace their caregiving role with devotion and pride, others might feel burdened and wiped out by the reality of expectation. But how do people in this situation find a healthy balance?

In this article, we’re going to provide tips on how to balance elder care, the support caregivers receive, and strategies to help prevent burnout.

Statistics on family caregivers

Giving care and support to an older loved one in the United States is touching a sizeable portion of the population. According to AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 53 million Americans provided unpaid care to a senior or child in 2020. Many of these are women, and many fall into the age bracket where they must balance multiple roles, such as parenting, working, and keeping a home.

The Sandwich Generation age ranges between 40-60 years old, a bracket where career demands are high, and children may still need support through school or early adulthood. Another statistic from the Family Caregiver Alliance shows that about 34 percent of family caregivers are caring for both an aging family member and a child or children under the age of 18. These dual responsibilities create a unique set of pressures that few generations before have faced.

Responsibilities extend beyond simple tasks, too. Many caregivers manage medical appointments, transportation, meal preparation, medication administration, financial matters, and emotional support. The list goes on. Research has shown that caregivers often spend more than 20 hours per week on activities. For those working full time, these hours come on top of a 40-hour workweek, leaving little time for self-care or rest.

Burnout prevention strategies

One of the most dangerous repercussions of long-term caregiving is burnout, both physical and mental. When someone carries the needs of others ahead of their own, the fatigue can become overwhelming. Stress levels also reach an all-time high, and in turn, overall mental health can suffer.

Recognizing early signs of burnout is key. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Persistent exhaustion
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling hopeless

An effective strategy for preventing burnout is building a routine that includes rest and personal time. It’s important to schedule some time to rest and reflect, whether that’s going to the hair salon, daily walks, or meditation. Even small windows of self-care can recharge the batteries.

Another method of prevention is to ask for help when needed, many people in this generation feel pressure to manage all responsibilities themselves. But caring for others doesn’t need to be done in isolation. Asking siblings, extended family, or close friends to share the load can reduce the responsibility. A personal alarm can also ease the minds of caregivers, as it comes with key functions to keep older parents safe.

Education about the care needs of aging parents also helps. Understanding conditions such as dementia, mobility limitations, or chronic illness allows people to anticipate needs rather than reacting in crisis. Support groups specific to caregivers offer a space to share experiences and gain emotional support from others who understand how demanding the role is.

Workplace policies and caregiver support

Balancing career and caregiving can feel like walking a tightrope. Many employers are only beginning to recognize the challenges employees face when juggling work with caregiving responsibilities. Flexible workplace policies, however, have proven to be a game-changer for many.

Flexible hours or compressed workweeks allow caregivers to attend medical appointments or care for children without sacrificing job performance. Remote work options, now more common than ever, make it easier for you to be present at home while still working. Some employers offer paid family leave or unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which can provide temporary relief when caregiving needs escalate.

Supportive workplace cultures are also effective. When supervisors understand and respect caregiving challenges, employees feel more comfortable discussing needs and arranging adjustments. Employee assistance programs, counseling, and support resources offered through the workplace can help with stress and find solutions that work for their situation.

Respite care options

Respite care is a vital resource for caregivers who need a break. Short-term or temporary respite care allows them to focus on their own health, attend to personal needs, or simply rest without feeling guilty or worried about their loved one’s safety.

• This type of care can take many forms. In-home respite services bring trained care professionals into the home to provide care while the primary caregiver is away.
• Adult day care centers offer social activities, meals, and supervision during the day, offering a predictable window of time to work or recharge.
• Some long-term care facilities offer short stays for seniors, giving caregivers temporary relief while ensuring that their loved one continues to receive appropriate care.

Understanding and accessing respite care often requires research and planning. Local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and social workers can help caregivers identify programs that fit their needs and budgets. Some nonprofit organizations and community programs offer subsidized or sliding scale respite services for families with financial limitations.

Financial strain and planning

Financial strain is one of the key pressures facing the Sandwich Generation. Caring for aging parents often carries significant costs that add to existing expenses like mortgage payments, childcare, medical bills, and retirement savings.

Many families find themselves paying for home modifications and specialized care services. Some may even reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely to provide full time care, which impacts income and future retirement savings.

This is why planning ahead is crucial. Finding financial advisors who specialize in elder care and family planning can help caregivers make informed decisions. Understanding different options can help ease some of the financial burden. Here are some options to consider:

• Long-term care insurance
• Veterans’ benefits
• Medicaid planning
• Tax deductions related to medical expenses

Budgeting for multiple care needs requires honest conversations between family members. Clear agreements about responsibilities and financial contributions help reduce conflict and ensure that care needs are met without unnecessary stress.

Find balance with SureSafe

If you’re looking for solutions to help with daily tasks and relieve some of the worry, then an assistive device is a wonderful way to stay connected. For instance, if an aging parent falls down the stairs or needs help quick, a personal alarm can provide instant support.

At SureSafe, we offer simple medical alerts that are reliable and easy to use. even for a person who isn’t feeling well. To get help, all you need to do is press and hold the device’s SOS button. You’ll then be able to speak to a helper right through the alarm device.

If you’d like to learn more about our medical alerts, you can submit our contact form, give us a call at 888 540 7193, or send an email to [email protected] You can also use our live chat or request a call back.