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 pressure is compounded by the responsibility of caring for multiple generations simultaneously. Known as the “sandwich generation,” these people find themselves caught between the demands of raising their own children while tending to the needs of their aging parents.

This dual caregiving role, coupled with 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 AARP data, more than 53 million American adults– more than one in five people – currently work as an unpaid family carer. In 2021, family caregivers delivered 36 billion hours of unpaid carewhich is valued at $600 billion.

One of the main problems of the sandwich generation is financial pressure, as they often provide economic support to their parents and children while trying to ensure their own financial stability.

According to a Care.com survey, the proportion of American families spending 20% ​​or more of their annual income on child care increased from 51% in 2021 to 60% in 2022. Meanwhile, data from Genworth Financial revealed that the median annual cost for home help increased by 10%, reaching $75,500 last year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Additionally, time management is a significant barrier, with many people struggling to balance work responsibilities, childcare and the needs of elderly parents, often resulting in feelings of being overwhelmed and overworked.

Emotional stress is prevalent when caregivers navigate complex family dynamics and deal with the physical and mental decline of their parents, while raising their own children. Many people in this situation also suffer from a lack of personal time and self-care, which can lead to burnout and health problems.

Additionally, they may face difficult decisions regarding the long-term care of their parents, possible career sacrifices, and the need to educate their children about family responsibilities. Members of the sandwich generation often experience guilt, feeling like they are not fulfilling their responsibilities towards their parents and children. They may also struggle to maintain their own identities and relationships while navigating the tug of war between these demanding roles.

Stress, burnout and sacrifice among the sandwich generation

According to a AARP Study On the mental health of caregivers in the United States, caring for two generations at once has a significant impact on stress levels, with 50% of caregivers reporting increased emotional stress and 37% increased physical stress. Research has found that female caregivers tend to face more stress and anxiety than men. Additionally, younger caregivers (under 35) experience more emotional difficulties and higher levels of anxiety than their older counterparts.

Notably, 40% of caregivers indicate that they rarely 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 Policygenius survey found that about two-thirds (66%) of Americans who simultaneously care for elderly parents (aged 65 or older) and children report feeling either “very stressed” or “somewhat stressed” at the time. idea of ​​meeting their financial obligations over the next decade.

How These Stressors Lead to Burnout

Untreated stress and burnout can have profound and far-reaching consequences on a caregiver’s professional life. According to WebMDTypical signs of burnout include physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, feelings of cynicism or detachment from work, forgetfulness and lack of motivation. Individuals may also experience stress-related symptoms such as headaches or chronic pain, feeling overwhelmed, unhappiness, or job dissatisfaction. Burnout can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety related to work 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 lead to career setbacks, missed opportunities for advancement, and in severe cases, can even force workers to leave their jobs altogether. thus further endangering their financial stability.

A Carewell reportlooking at people who work 35 hours a week while spending 21 hours caring for a loved one, reported that 58% of them feel overwhelmed when trying to balance their caregiving duties with their professional lives.

The study also reveals that 53% of these employees have already made career sacrifices due to their caregiving responsibilities. Respondents say they are willing to accept a 40% pay cut in exchange for greater flexibility. More than half say they are ready to reduce their vacation time. This represents a significant sacrifice for these caregivers, especially since 42% of them 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 a advisory addressing the mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers. In the report, Murthy said this demographic “is struggling” and he urged employers to improve policies and programs that support caregivers in the workplace.

Murthy recommends that companies provide “paid parental, medical, and sick leave, flexible and equitable work schedules, and access to child care (in the community or on-site)” to employees.

The US Surgeon General advises employers to implement training programs for managers focused on stress management and work-life balance. This training is expected to equip managers with the skills to identify signs of stress and mental health issues in parents and caregivers, as well as provide tips to promote work-life harmony.

Additionally, organizations can promote a family-friendly culture by actively placing parents or guardians in leadership positions. This approach serves two purposes: it allows these leaders to support the well-being of other working caregivers and demonstrates that career advancement is compatible with caregiving responsibilities.

Employers should also offer health insurance plans that include comprehensive and affordable mental health coverage, featuring an extensive network of quality mental health care providers. Additionally, they should offer confidential counseling services through employee wellness and assistance programs to improve access to mental health support and social services.

How the sandwich generation can combat their own burnout

Murthy reminded parents and guardians: “Remember, taking care of yourself is a key part of how you take care of your family. »

The sandwich generation should prioritize self-care by spending time on activities they enjoy, which can help them recharge their physical and mental batteries. Activities that can help reduce stress include exercise, adequate sleep, a nutritious diet, mindfulness practices, meditation, and enjoyable recreational activities. Although it can be difficult to prioritize self-care among parenting responsibilities, even a small amount of time dedicated to stress-relieving activities can lead to significant improvements.

Murthy said setting healthy boundaries to draw this time shouldn’t bring up feelings of guilt or shame; instead, it should be seen as essential to the well-being of parents and guardians, as well as their children. He emphasized the importance of recognizing that perfection as a caregiver is unattainable and therefore it is crucial to have compassion for oneself.

Because caring for a family sometimes takes a village, the surgeon general urges caregivers to cultivate relationships with those in similar positions. This sense of community can provide a space to express your feelings, concerns and challenges, while also allowing you to learn from the experiences of other caregivers. Creating a supportive atmosphere can go a long way toward easing the stress of caregiving.

Most importantly, Murthy encourages caregivers to recognize the signs of mental health issues and seek professional help when needed.

To cope and alleviate financial stress, discuss money matters openly with your family members to fully understand the current financial situation. Seek help from financial advisors and estate attorneys to guide you on issues such as college planning, retirement and legal documents. Finally, building an emergency fund, even with modest and consistent contributions, can provide a financial cushion to deal with unforeseen circumstances.