Three females discuss their experiences as 'sandwich caretakers', juggling the demands of two full-time, emotionally taxing roles
In the modern world, the sandwich generation—comprising mainly Millennials and Gen X—faces significant mental health challenges due to the pressures of caring for both aging parents and raising children. This dual caregiving role often results in elevated stress, burnout, anxiety, and financial strain, leading to a worsening of overall wellbeing.
The mental health impacts on this generation are substantial. In the UK, research indicates higher burnout and stress levels driven more by home-life caregiving pressures than work stress, particularly among Millennials[1]. In the US, a subgroup heavily represented in the sandwich generation, significant declines in mental health among mothers have been observed, highlighting broader public health concerns[2].
These challenges can lead to increased emotional exhaustion, parental burnout, and a risk of neglect or psychological aggression within families due to overload[3]. Financial pressures, which add to mental strain, have notably risen for Millennials and Gen X in recent years in the UK[1]. The general lack of recognition and support for carers exacerbates inequalities and worsens mental and physical health outcomes[4].
Fortunately, various services and resources are available to support the sandwich generation. Employer mental health programs, while often lagging behind needs, acknowledge caregiving stress and are increasingly recognizing caregiving as a workplace wellbeing issue[1][5]. Public health calls, particularly in the US, emphasise the need for enhanced mental health support, financial assistance, and caregiving resources for parents and caregivers[2].
Carer support organisations and diversity and inclusion initiatives aim to improve recognition and reduce stigma associated with caregiving responsibilities[4]. Mental health platforms, such as Calm Health, highlight caregiver wellbeing and promote accessible mental health care and burnout prevention tools tailored to the sandwich generation[5].
In the UK, Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline (0800 888 6678 or [email protected]) is available for advice or support on caring for someone living with dementia. Obtaining Power of Attorney (PoA) is also considered a vital early step, enabling a carer to call the GP, make decisions regarding end-of-life care, pay bills, budget for carers, order groceries online, and help get cash for the person being cared for.
Stories like that of Sarah Gates, who has been a sandwich carer for eight years, supporting her granny, father, and mother, underscore the importance of these resources. Sarah left her full-time lecturing job to regularly visit her parents and grandmother. Her mother was initially resistant to receiving help but now has a care team that cooks meals, offers personal care, and takes her to appointments.
In the US, approximately 11 million adults are part of the sandwich generation. Organisations such as The Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Council on Aging, and local Area Agencies on Aging can provide help and advice on how best to support a family. The care service provided to Sarah's mother comes at a cost, and they are currently selling her house to fund her move into a home near Sarah.
While awareness of the sandwich generation's mental health challenges is growing, there remains a critical need for expanded, targeted services—financial, mental health, and caregiving support—in both the UK and US to mitigate stress and burnout. By utilising available resources and advocating for improved support, the sandwich generation can navigate these challenges more effectively and maintain their wellbeing amidst the pressures of caregiving.
References:
- Aging UK (2020)
- National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute (2015)
- Parker, P., Wang, M., & Scharlach, A. (2017)
- Carers UK (2019)
- Calm Health (n.d.)
- The mental health struggles of the sandwich generation, with elevated stress, burnout, anxiety, and financial strain, are significant and often originate more from home-life caregiving pressures than work stress, particularly among Millennials in the UK.
- Not only in the UK but in the US as well, research indicates severe declines in mental health among mothers, emphasizing broader public health concerns.
- These challenges can lead to increased emotional exhaustion, parental burnout, and a risk of psychological aggression within families due to overload.
- Thankfully, there are various services and resources available to support the sandwich generation, such as employer mental health programs that recognize caregiving stress, public health calls for enhanced mental health support, and caregiver-focused mental health platforms.
- In the UK, resources like Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline and obtaining Power of Attorney are valuable for sandwiched carers to manage caregiving effectively.
- To navigate these challenges more effectively and maintain their wellbeing amidst the pressures of caregiving, the sandwich generation should utilize available resources and advocate for improved support, expanding targeted services in areas like financial, mental health, and caregiving support.
