American families are facing unprecedented pressures as they grapple with inflation, soaring costs and a competitive job market for professionals. For many couples, this economic strain is compounded by the responsibility of caring for multiple generations simultaneously. Known as the “sandwich generation,” these individuals find themselves squeezed between the demands of raising their own children while also tending to the needs of their aging parents.
This dual caregiving role, coupled with the current economic challenges, is creating a perfect storm of stress and financial burden for a growing number of people in the United States.
According to data from AARP, over 53 million American adults—more than one in five—are currently serving as unpaid family caregivers. In 2021, family caregivers delivered 36 billion hours of unpaid care, which is valued at $600 billion.
One of the major pain points impacting the sandwich generation is financial strain, as they frequently provide economic support to both their parents and children while attempting to secure their own financial stability.
Based on a Care.com survey, the proportion of U.S. families allocating 20% or more of their yearly household income to child care increased from 51% in 2021 to 60% in 2022. Concurrently, Genworth Financial’s data revealed that the median annual cost for a home health aide rose by 10%, reaching $75,500 last year, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Additionally, time management poses a significant hurdle, with many individuals finding it difficult to juggle work responsibilities, childcare and the needs of elderly parents, which often results in feelings of being overwhelmed and stretched too thin.
Emotional stress is prevalent, as caregivers navigate complex family dynamics and cope with the physical and mental decline of their parents, while still raising their own children. Many in this situation also experience a lack of personal time and self-care, which can lead to burnout and health issues.
Moreover, they may face difficult decisions regarding long-term care for their parents, potential career sacrifices and the need to educate their children about family responsibilities. Members of the sandwich generation often experience guilt, feeling as though they are falling short in their responsibilities to both their parents and children. They may also find it challenging to preserve their own identity and relationships while navigating the tug-of-war between these demanding roles.
Stress, Burnout And Sacrifice Among The Sandwich Generation
According to an AARP study on caregiver mental health in the U.S., caring for two generations at once significantly impacts stress levels, with 50% of caregivers reporting increased emotional stress and 37% experiencing heightened physical stress. The research found that women in caregiving roles tend to face more stress and anxiety compared to men. Additionally, younger caregivers (under 35) encounter more emotional difficulties and higher anxiety levels than their older counterparts.
Notably, 40% of caregivers indicate they seldom or never feel relaxed. The study also found that 56% of caregivers struggle to maintain their own mental health due to their responsibilities and 41% report feelings of loneliness.
Another survey by Policygenius revealed that approximately two-thirds (66%) of Americans who are simultaneously caring for elderly parents (aged 65 or older) and supporting children report feeling either “very stressed” or “somewhat stressed” about meeting their financial obligations over the next decade.
How These Stressors Lead To Burnout At Work
Untreated stress and burnout can have profound and far-reaching consequences on a caregiver’s professional life. According to WebMD, typical signs of burnout encompass physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, a sense of cynicism or detachment from work, forgetfulness and a lack of motivation. Individuals may also experience stress-related symptoms like headaches or chronic pain, feelings of being overwhelmed, unhappiness or dissatisfaction at work. Burnout can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety linked to job responsibilities.
As chronic stress takes its toll, a caregiver may experience a sharp decline in performance and productivity, increased absenteeism and difficulty concentrating on tasks, compromising their ability to function effectively in their role.
Ultimately, if left unchecked, stress and burnout can result in career setbacks, missed opportunities for advancement and in severe cases, may even force workers to leave their jobs altogether, further jeopardizing their financial stability.
A report by Carewell, focusing on individuals who work 35 hours per week while also dedicating 21 hours to caring for a loved one, indicated that 58% feel overwhelmed trying to balance their caregiving duties with their professional lives.
The study also found that 53% of these employees have already made career sacrifices due to their caregiving responsibilities. The respondents express a willingness to accept a 40% reduction in pay in exchange for greater flexibility. More than half said they would be prepared to reduce their vacation time. This represents a significant sacrifice for these caregivers, especially considering that 42% have already had to postpone their retirement plans.
How Employers Can Support The Sandwich Generation
In August, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory addressing the mental health and well-being of parents and caregivers. In the report, Murthy said that this demographic is “struggling,” and he urged employers to enhance policies and programs that support caregivers in the workplace.
Murthy recommends that businesses provide “paid parental, medical, and sick leave, flexible and fair work schedules, and access to child care (in the community or on-site)” to employees.
The U.S. Surgeon General advises employers to introduce training programs for managers focused on stress management and work-life balance. This training should equip managers with the skills to identify signs of stress and mental health issues among parents and caregivers, as well as provide guidance on fostering work-life harmony.
Additionally, organizations can promote a family-friendly culture by actively placing parents or caregivers in leadership positions. This approach serves two purposes: it enables these leaders to support the well-being of other working caregivers and demonstrates that career advancement is compatible with caregiving responsibilities.
Employers should also provide health insurance plans that include comprehensive and affordable mental health coverage, featuring a wide network of quality mental health care providers. Furthermore, they should offer confidential counseling services through employee wellness and assistance programs to enhance access to mental health support and social services.
How The Sandwich Generation Can Address Their Own Burnout
Murthy offered a reminder to parents and caregivers: “Remember, caring for yourself is a key part of how you care for your family.”
The sandwich generation should prioritize self-care by making time for activities they enjoy, which can help recharge their physical and mental batteries. Activities that can help alleviate stress include exercise, adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, mindfulness practices, meditation and enjoyable recreational pursuits. While it can be challenging to prioritize self-care amidst parenting responsibilities, even small amounts of time dedicated to stress-relief activities can lead to significant improvements.
Murthy said establishing healthy boundaries to carve out this time should not invoke feelings of guilt or shame; instead, it should be viewed as essential for the well-being of both parents and caregivers, as well as their children. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that perfection in being a caregiver is unattainable, so being compassionate with oneself is crucial.
Because taking care of a family sometimes takes a village, the Surgeon General urges caregivers to nurture relationships with those in similar positions. This sense of community can offer a space to express your feelings, concerns and challenges, while also allowing you to learn from the experiences of fellow caregivers. Creating a supportive atmosphere can significantly help alleviate the stress of caregiving.
Most importantly, Murthy encourages caregivers to acknowledge the signs of mental health struggles and seek professional help when needed.
To address and alleviate financial stress, openly discuss money matters with your family members to establish a clear understanding of the current financial situation. Seek assistance from financial advisors and estate attorneys to provide guidance on issues like college planning, retirement and legal documents. Lastly, building an emergency fund, even with small, consistent contributions, can provide a financial cushion for unforeseen circumstances.
Source: Forbes
