The Sandwich Generation is a fast growing group of individuals between the ages of 40 – 50 years old. Caught in the middle of caring for their children and their aging parents simultaneously, these care givers experience high levels of stress. Our infographic shares common stressors, statistics and ways to combat stress as a member of the sandwich generation. Take a look!

1. and theHEALTH CARE
“SANDWICH GENERATION”
Those who care for their aging parents while
supporting their own children. They may find themselves
“squeezed” in between caring for younger loved
ones and elderly parents
or family members.
HEALTH CARE and the
“SANDWICH GENERATION”
THE SANDWICH GENERATION
13%
The term
"Sandwich
Generation"
was coined by
Dorothy A Miller
in 1981
THE TYPICAL AMERICAN SANDWICH
GENERATION CAREGIVER:
of U.S. adults are caregivers (2013)Female
In her mid-40s
Married
Employed
39%
of adults in the U.S. are caring for
an adult or child with significant
health issues
40%
(UP FROM 30% IN 2010)
BABY BOOMERS
TURN 65 EVERY DAY
10,00010,000Average
person
lived
to be 47
IN 1900
Average
person
lives
to be 77
TODAY
13%}
of the U.S.
population
is aged 65
and over
people are over
100 years of age
in the U.S.
- By 2030 that number will double -
53,000OVER
of the Baby Boom
Generation has at least
one living parent
The vast majority of long-term
care is provided informally
and privately, at no public cost
CAREGIVING SERVICES INCLUDE:
Home Health Care
Services
(such as nursing or
physical therapy)
Transportation Meal
Delivery
Non-Medical Home
Care Services
(such as housekeeping,
cooking, or
companionship)
Legal and Financial
Counseling
Of these, 77% report needing to ask for
advice about the medications and
medical treatments, and the person they
usually turn to is a healthcare provider.
Over 1 of every 8 Americans aged
40 to 60 is both raising a child
and caring for a parent
Between 7 to 10 million adults
are caring for aging parents
from a long distance
About 29% of young adults
ranging from the ages of 25-34
live with their parents
ON AVERAGE, ADULTS IN THE SANDWICH GENERATION ARE SPENDING
A CAREGIVER’S OWN HEALTH & WELLBEING
CAREGIVERS CAN BE PULLED IN MANY DIRECTIONS…JEOPARDIZING THEIR OWN HEALTH.
HIGHER LEVELS OF STRESS
HORMONES
MORE DAYS SICK WITH AN
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
WEAKER IMMUNE RESPONSE TO
THE INFLUENZA, OR FLU, VACCINE
SLOWER WOUND HEALING ABILITY
HIGHER LEVELS OF OBESITY
HIGHER RISK FOR MENTAL DECLINE
$
70%
More
than
1/8
37%37% of caregivers are involved in
giving medications, injections,
and medical treatments. }
77%
THE
BOOMERANG
GENERATION
ON THEIR PARENTS AND CHILDREN COMBINED PER YEAR
$10,000 1,350 HOURS$
MENTALLY STRESSED A PERSONAL TOLL
Common stressors that mentally affect Sandwich
Generation Caregivers:
The mental stress of caregiving can manifest
itself in harmful, physical ways, as well.
BURNOUT
SLEEPING TOO MUCH
OR TOO LITTLE
LOSS OF INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES YOU
USED TO ENJOY
ANXIETY
FEELING CONSTANTLY
WORRIED
DEPRESSION
GUILT
AMONG CAREGIVERS WHO REPORTED DECLINING HEALTH
said their eating
habits are worse
63% were taking more
medications
51% said their exercise
habits are worse
58%
Cares for her family and an elderly parent
(usually her mother)
STRESS RELEASERS:
There is hope for the overworked and overwhelmed, allowing them to step back and take a breath.
31%
of Sandwich Generation
caregivers say they
always feel rushed
Hold Family
Meetings
Maintain Good
Communication
HELP
Ask for Help
Take Time
for Yourself
Sources: Psychology Today, PEW Research Center, Family Caregiver Alliance, Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Family Journal,
Dept. of Health and Human Services, National Alliance for Caregiving
HOW NORTHWEST
PRIMARY CARE CAN HELP
NWPC is a patient-centered medical home. Our specialized
care is tailored to the wellbeing of our patients.
We are committed to providing the very best care,
education, and support.
If you are a caregiver who feels overwhelmed, stressed or depressed,
talk to a health care provider.
Copyright © 2015, NW Primary Care
Infographic designed by Mad Fish Digital
www.nwpc.com