What do you know about the “sandwich generation” ? Have you ever heard of it ? Reflecting a growing reality that affects a large segment of the population, it is important to fully understand the challenges associated with it. Get to know more about the sandwich generation, exploring together some of the solutions available to make life easier for those who have to deal with this situation on a daily basis.
Being well aware of the reality of the sandwich generation will also help all of us, as a society, as we face upcoming challenges involving the world of business, health and finance.
Sandwich Generation : What Is It Exactly ?
By definition, the sandwich generation can be described as a portion of the adult population that has to :
- devote a maximum proportion of quality time and energy to their own children, still living at home ;
- and, on the other hand, cope with the care and responsibilities associated with being a family caregiver for an elderly parent or another beloved family member experiencing a loss of autonomy or some health issues.
What is the sandwich generation ? Who are they ? In order to answer this question, let’s take a look at a typical portrait of this segment of the population :
- Young adults, usually aged between 30 and 50 ;
- Active employees with busy work schedules and professional responsibilities ;
- Parents involved with their children and wishing to devote as much time as possible to family life ;
- Individuals who also act as family caregivers for a beloved elderly relative who requires assistance on a regular basis.
Top 5 Challenges of the Sandwich Generation
As rewarding as the role of family caregiver may be, and even as it is fulfilled with love for a relative who is so dear to you, acting as a caregiver also involves many challenges. Especially for individuals in the sandwich generation, who have to constantly balance the various aspects of their family and professional lives. In brief, let’s take a look at the 5 main challenges that are most frequently associated with this reality, as well as some possible solutions for each of them.
1. Time & Schedule Management
Between caring for an elderly parent, performing household chores at home, taking on responsibilities at work, and devoting time to your own personal life to ensure the well-being of your children and your relationship, the challenges of managing your schedule are definitely real.
Despite your best intentions, time can run out. To overcome this situation, some decisions have to be made. Even if they can be heartbreaking, setting priorities for yourself is essential to make sure you will not run out of time.
2. Stress Management
When faced with such an overwhelming load of responsibilities and emotions, stress and burnout are a serious concern to be aware of. Remember, however, that in order to be at your best as a caregiver, finding the time to take care of yourself, clear your mind and recharge your energy is also a priority.
3. Work-Family Balance
At an age when work is usually of prime importance, the young adults of the “sandwich generation” are faced with a significant challenge : finding the right balance between their career and other facets of their personal life, taking care of their own children and their own parents.
To achieve such harmony, it is essential to establish good communication with your employer, so that he or she understands your reality. Businesses also need to introduce support measures for employees dealing with such situations. Teleworking, flexible work schedules, part-time positions when needed, many solutions can help the sandwich generation better reconcile work and family responsibilities.
For additional advice, we invite you to read the article : “Balancing work and the role of caregiver”, featuring a series of useful tips to help you reconcile your professional life with your role as a family caregiver, without neglecting other aspects of your personal life.
4. Equilibrium in Personal Life
For the sandwich generation, squeezed between all these responsibilities, finding the perfect balance can be a daunting task. Being a good parent, involved with your children, a loving husband or wife, an exemplary employee at work and a present child who looks after the health and well-being of an aging parent, inevitably requires its share of compromises and sacrifices.
Don’t be afraid to define your own limits and priorities. While this can be difficult, and although you deserve credit for wanting to be 100% present for all these facets of your life, these small compromises are often essential to finding the right balance between your personal life, your professional activities and your role as a family caregiver.
5. Financial Challenges
In addition to time and stress management challenges, financial limitations are also a serious concern not to be overlooked. Between house mortgages, car payments, education expenses for children and the fees associated with the transition to a retirement home and/or health care for a parent needing assistance, the financial burden can be quite extensive.
In a context where it is also more difficult to find time to work at the same time, it becomes important to also consider other alternatives in terms of financial support, whenever needed. Thankfully, some government programs exist specifically for this purpose.
Find out more about the latest grants and subsidies available for seniors and caregivers.
Resources Available to Family Caregivers
Helping better, by getting help. To fulfill your precious role as a caregiver and offer the best of yourself to your elderly relative, it is essential to surround yourself with people who can also help you. To do so, several options may be available to you.
- Sharing tasks with other family members and/or people close to your elderly relative in need of assistance ;
- Discuss the challenges you face with people you trust (friends, family, spouse, etc.), to benefit from their support and advice ;
- Take part in support groups specially organized to help family caregivers, so you can benefit from the help of others experiencing a reality similar to yours ;
- Maybe consider a smooth transition to a specially adapted retirement home for your parent, according to his or her needs and requirements.
Looking for the ideal living environment for a senior you love ? Looking for a solution to the challenges you are facing as a part of the sandwich generation ? We invite you to discuss with one of our Visavie Senior Living Advisors, who will be pleased to share their expertise and experience with you through a caring and supportive approach, at no cost and with no obligation.
