"Women recount their experiences as 'sandwich carers,' juggling two demanding, emotionally taxing caregiving roles"
In the UK and US, a significant number of adults, often women aged 35-64, find themselves caught between caring for their own children and elderly parents - a group known as the Sandwich generation. This demanding role can lead to high levels of stress, financial strain, and mental health issues.
In the UK, an estimated 1.4 million adults are part of the Sandwich generation, with 19% diagnosed with depression, compared to 13% among all adults. Similarly, in the US, approximately 11 million adults are part of this generation, facing similar challenges.
To address these mental health impacts, particularly depression and anxiety symptoms, a multifaceted approach is essential.
Practical caregiving aids such as Ring doorbells and dementia clocks can help reduce anxiety by increasing safety and orientation for care recipients. Early legal empowerment, including obtaining Powers of Attorney for health and finance, can help caregivers manage medical and financial decisions efficiently, reducing stress from crisis management.
Recognizing and emphasizing the positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) can buffer psychological distress and reduce depression, especially among those with mild to moderate caregiving burden. This approach encourages caregivers to focus on feelings of accomplishment and improved relationships.
Supportive work-life balance policies are crucial in reducing time and financial pressures, significant contributors to mental health issues in sandwich carers. Flexible working conditions, leave entitlements, and workplace understanding can make a significant difference.
Social and emotional support is vital for sandwich carers. Access to support groups and mental health resources specifically tailored to sandwich carers can provide emotional relief and coping resources.
Respite care and formal support services offer temporary relief, preventing caregiver burnout and its mental health consequences.
Victoria, a dementia specialist currently caring for her mother-in-law diagnosed with dementia during lockdown, recommends using a Ring doorbell and a dementia clock as practical steps for caregiving. She also emphasizes obtaining Power of Attorney as a vital early step for legal and financial matters. Sarah, another sandwich carer, found obtaining two types of Power of Attorney (for health and finance) crucial in managing care for multiple family members.
The hard part of sandwich caring, according to Sarah, is the emotional fallout. She reflects on the need to delegate, seek help, and ask for advice to manage different demands.
In conclusion, practical aids and legal tools reduce day-to-day burdens, positive caregiving reframing supports psychological wellbeing, while supportive policies and social services help alleviate pressures related to time, finances, and isolation, thereby addressing depression and anxiety in sandwich generation caregivers in the UK and US.
For advice and support, Sandwich carers in the UK can turn to Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline (0800 888 6678 or [email protected]), Carers UK, Action for Carers, and Citizens Advice. In the US, The Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Council on Aging, and local Area Agencies on Aging can provide help and advice on supporting family members as a sandwich carer.
- A Ring doorbell and a dementia clock, being practical caregiving aids, can help reduce anxiety for care recipients, thereby creating a safer and more oriented environment.
- Early legal empowerment, such as obtaining Powers of Attorney for health and finance, can help sandwich carers manage medical and financial decisions efficiently, alleviating stress from crisis management.
- Focusing on positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) can buffer psychological distress and reduce depression, especially among those with mild to moderate caregiving burden, encouraging feelings of accomplishment and improved relationships.
- Supportive work-life balance policies, such as flexible working conditions, leave entitlements, and understanding workplaces, can make a significant difference in reducing time and financial pressures, crucial contributors to mental health issues in sandwich carers.
- Respite care and formal support services offer temporary relief, preventing caregiver burnout and its mental health consequences, ensuring that sandwich carers do not experience isolation and have the opportunity to decompress.
