GILBERT, Ariz. (May 26, 2021)—Family caregiving is on the rise: approximately 42 million Americans provide unpaid care for an elder family member (50+) according to AARP. Additionally, Pew Research found that 12% of all American adults are in the “sandwich generation” with children of their own 18-or-under while also caring for their aging parents. But that’s not their only responsibility; the majority are employed full time, many at the top of their careers.
These members of the sandwich generation, who are caring for both their parents and children, are the most vulnerable to burnout, and are often too busy to seek support or may not even know where to start.
SYNERGY HomeCare, a national in-home care franchise, recognized the sandwich generation Catch-22: people know they need help, but don’t know where to get it. In response, the organization has just released “The Family Caregivers Ultimate Guide.” The comprehensive report provides insights from a variety of organizations working in support of caregivers, including the National Alliance for Caregiving, the Aging Life Care Association and the Family Caregiver Alliance. It can be downloaded here.
“Through this in-depth report, SYNERGY HomeCare brings to the forefront the realities of the unpaid caregiving experience in the U.S., particularly for the sandwich generation,” said Charlie Young, CEO of SYNERGY HomeCare. “They have so many responsibilities with their own children, their aging loved ones, their career and taking care of themselves. The resources offered in this guide provide avenues for seeking support which can allow sandwich generation caregivers and their loved ones to live rich and balanced lives.”
For many members of the sandwich generation, work stands as the main weight-bearing pillar supporting one’s livelihood, financial resources and identity. One of the biggest stressors for family caregivers is that they are not performing at their full potential in their career, due to time and energy being shifted to their aging loved one. This can result in a major imbalance.
“While we may put more emphasis on this pillar out of fear of losing a job, the reality is that the most important parts relate to caring for your children, caring for your parents and caring for yourself,” said Mary Ellen Gornick, an expert advisor to Fortune 100 companies, who specializes in employee assistance programs. “Asking for help at work allows the three other pillars to remain balanced. The great news for the sandwich generation is that the majority of today’s employers have programs in place to make that happen.”
In order to succeed in a career while also acting as caregiver to a loved one, SYNERGY HomeCare has provided the following tips:
Recognize when you need help. The warning signs may include:
- You constantly feel under pressure.
- You have a short fuse.
- You can’t focus.
- Your performance at work is slipping.
- You are having trouble sleeping.
- Your eating patterns are disrupted, either eating too much or not enough.
- You are drinking more alcohol.
- You are experiencing conflicts with your family, siblings, spouse, partners, etc.
- You are frustrated with the amount of time caregiving takes.
Talk to your manager. Now more than ever, employers recognize challenges that their employees may be experiencing in their personal lives and are more likely to take such circumstances into consideration and offer accommodations.
Talk to HR. Many employees may feel embarrassed discussing their personal challenges with their boss. If this is the case, speak with your human resources department representative who may be able to provide guidance on how to proceed with your boss and a healthy work/life balance.
Seek out an employee assistance program. Companies may provide access to programs that offer access to both practical and emotional support, including counseling services and local resources that provide assistance for elders as well as children. Today, nearly 80% of companies with more than 250 employees offer such programs as part of their benefit packages.
Tap into your behavioral health benefits. Many health insurance plans provide access to counseling support. HR departments can usually assist in helping you identify who to reach out to.
Visit synergyhomecare.com for more information.
