The sandwich generation refers to individuals who take care of both their children and elderly parents. The definition indicates a person “sandwiched” between managing the responsibilities of a parent and a caring child at the same time. The caregiver ends up being caught between looking after two opposite generations. It is usually associated with a significant impact on the person who has the role of a caregiver. This topic is crucial to the field of human development since it refers to the pressure the caregiver feels, coping mechanisms, and overall impact on their mental well-being.
Developmental Impact
The sandwich generation falls into the category of middle-aged adults in their 40s or 50s. According to researchers, they are prone to experiencing stress that has adverse effects on mental well-being (Gillett & Crisp, 2017). Moreover, this practice can negatively affect the children who are caught in between their parents’ responsibilities. Research shows that they find it extremely difficult to take someone else’s perspective on a subject (Broderick & Blewitt, 2014). A child who sees the mother spend less time and give less attention due to taking care of her parents might not appropriately interpret the situation, which leads to frustration.
While this is an example of cognitive development, emotional development might also impact the response to this situation. It has been shown that infants whose mothers interact with them even in the first hours of their lives feel a positive effect (Broderick & Blewitt, 2014). A parent who is responsible for taking care of elders cannot be fully dedicated to the children, which may cause them to feel a lack of attention.
Since individuals who take the role of caregivers are the most affected by this phenomenon, they are impacted on many different levels. A person’s developmental progress is influenced by mental well-being. The emotional aspect tends to have both beneficial and negative connotations. According to researchers, caregivers have risks of developing cognitive problems; however, the emotional rewards include feelings of meaningfulness and importance (Broderick & Blewitt, 2014). There are also implications when it comes to social and professional life. Combining work with caregiving might be a difficult task (Steiner & Fletcher, 2017). It is also shown that women who simultaneously work and take care of elders and children are more prone to spending less time at their jobs (Aazami et al., 2017). This is why individuals in such situations can meet difficulties in the work field.
There are also implications regarding social life and relationships. Lack of time, mental exhaustion, and emotional struggles can impact one’s social life and romantic/family relationships. Caregivers might direct emotional closeness and financial support towards the children while the parents receive more practical help. Both children and older parents can feel a lack of certain forms of attention, which leads to complications in their relationships with the caregiver.
Faith & Professional Perspectives
Several Christian principles highlight the importance of elderly care. Isaiah 46:4 clearly speaks to God’s promise to sustain and take care of the elders (New International Version, 1997). Isaiah 38:19 mentions the importance of parents in their children’s faith (New International Version, 1997). Parents are the primary learning tools that kids use to develop their own personalities. The teachings ingrained in the childrens’ memories will impact their future lives, choices, and characters.
Furthermore, there are multiple mentions of the parent-child relationship in the New King James Version. Tim 5: 4 & 8 amplifies the ethical significance of providing care for family members (New King James Version, 2001). Proverbs 22:6, 13:22 and 17:6 specifically mention that children who receive the proper guidance will stick with it forever (New King James Version, 2001). Ephesians 6:1-3 goes back to the first command and highlights the crucial ethical virtue of obeying and respecting one’s parents (New King James Version, 2001). Parental significance is one of the central premises in every Christian book, and its assessment is highlighted in many principles and biblical themes.
The sandwich generation can meet specific difficulties, which is why human services providers have to consider a few aspects. The first detail that must be analyzed is the client’s family and friends. If other family members and friends can direct the moral of physical help towards the individual in need, they must be contacted. Another family matter is the relationship between the caregiver and the elderly parents/children. Therapy and conversations may help diminish the potential difficulties. Providing moral and physical support can benefit all parties and lead to a better family dynamic.
Another vital detail is the background of the person in charge. A person who grew up in a loving family is more prone to having a sense of duty towards the elderly family. The community and culture also play crucial roles in helping people who fall under the notion of the sandwich generation. Certain cultures and communities have more pronounced family values and ethical commitments.
Resources
People affected by this problem can look for specific sources that analyze the struggles that the sandwich generation goes through. An excellent suggestion is The Sandwich Generation: Caught Between Growing Children and Aging Parents by Michael H. Zal. The author goes into detail and describes the stages of life that are present in this structure and mentions mental health problems that can occur due to this way of life.
Another excellent suggestion is Strength for the Sandwich Generation: Help to Thrive While Simultaneously Caring for Our Kids and Our Aging Parents by Kristin Bertini. This is a book written by a licensed psychologist that has helpful information regarding specific strategies that caregivers can use, financial advice in such situations, and ways to turn this complex experience into something enjoyable and rewarding for each member.
A helpful platform for caregivers is A Place for Mom, www.aplaceformom.com. It is a service that assists in finding aspects of care for an elderly parent. This includes housing, medical care, nursing staff, and other helpful tools. This website makes the research easier for the caregiver and provides all the needed information regarding facilities, staff, and medical practices that may be necessary for the older family member.
Health and Human Services, www.hhs.gov is another resource with plenty of accessible information about local providers and facilities that can help people with their medical concerns, emergency preparedness, and various social services. They cover different domains such as child care, food assistance, and other issues that individuals cannot cope with by themselves. Accessing Health and Human Services is a great way to find much-needed help.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence, the sandwich generation’s impact on the parent is undoubtedly present and significant in the human development field. This is a complex topic that has both negative and positive effects on the caregiver. On the one hand, they may find it difficult to attend to both parties, which can have an unfavorable implication on their mental health. On the other hand, it is a rewarding experience, and both religion and science suggest that caring for elderly family members is detrimental and can have positive effects on the individual in charge. Either way, this is an important topic, and people who are caught in this family structure need guidance and help from both family members and human services.
References
Aazami, S., Shamsuddin, K., & Akmal, S. (2017). Assessment of Work-Family Conflict Among Women of the Sandwich Generation. Journal of Adult Development, 25(2), 135–140. Web.
Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2014). The life span: human development for helping professionals. Pearson Education.
Gillett, J. E., & Crisp, D. A. (2017). Examining coping style and the relationship between stress and subjective well-being in Australia’s ‘sandwich generation.’ Australasian Journal on Ageing, 36(3), 222–227. Web.
New Testament: New King James Version. (2001). Thomas Nelson Bibles.
Steiner, A. M., & Fletcher, P. C. (2017). Sandwich Generation Caregiving: A Complex and Dynamic Role. Journal of Adult Development, 24(2), 133–143. Web.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1997). International Bible Society.