People who are part of the “sandwich generation” are those who care for two dependents from different generations at the same time. An adult who is a part of the sandwich generation is one who is living with a parent who is 65 years or older and raising a child under 18 or supporting a grown child. This generation faces many challenges, and the main one likely being financial pressures from having two dependents.
Another challenge is having to balance family life with a full-time job. Due to the possible financial pressures, it may be hard to find the balance between family and work. This can result in people feeling overworked and guilty. The sandwich generation individuals not only have to provide financial support for two dependents, but they also have to provide emotional support, as well. Being the emotional support for two different generations while working a full-time job can be overwhelming and exhausting. This generation feels like they live for others since they always have to consider the needs of their families.
There are multiple things individuals can do to help manage being part of the sandwich generation. These individuals need to create a supportive network to find people to support them emotionally or to offer any assistance. Hiring a caregiver for their aging parents or for their younger children can allow them to take a day off and help ease the stress of household and care duties. This gives individuals time to prioritize themselves and have time for self-care. Everyone needs and deserves a break from time to time. These individuals can spend quality time with only one of their dependents, either their parents or children, to feel less guilty of the time they spend away.
It can seem impossible to prioritize and care for both dependents and oneself equally, but with the correct support system this can be possible. If the support system is not enough, individuals can look for nearby resources offered for either the aging parent or their children. Support is needed to have regular breaks and to healthily manage caring for two dependents.
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By: Cindy Birrueta
Office Support Specialist at WellPath Partners
B.S. in Healthcare Administration at California State University, Long Beach
