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Writer's pictureJennifer Collins

Navigating the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation for Healthcare Professionals



Today, many adults find themselves caught in the middle of a demanding and often overwhelming caregiving scenario; a phenomenon known as the "sandwich generation." These individuals, typically aged between 40 and 60, are tasked with the dual responsibility of raising young children while also caring for aging parents. This situation is especially challenging for those in the healthcare field, who dedicate their professional lives to caregiving, only to return home to similar responsibilities.

 

At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we understand the unique pressures faced by the sandwich generation, particularly those in healthcare. Our mission is to provide support, resources, and strategies to help you navigate this challenging phase of life.

 

Understanding the Sandwich Generation: Balancing Care for Children and Aging Parents

The term "sandwich generation" was first coined by social worker Dorothy Miller in 1981 and has since become a widely recognized concept in the realms of sociology and psychology. It describes adults who are squeezed between caring for their aging parents and supporting their own children. The challenges faced by the sandwich generation are multifaceted and have significant implications for emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

 

The sandwich generation is a growing segment of the population. According to a Pew Research Center study done in October 2021, about a quarter of U.S. adults (23%) are now part of the sandwich generation. These are adults who have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising at least one child younger than 18 or providing financial support to an adult child (age 18 +). This percentage is expected to rise as the population ages and life expectancy increases.

 

Notably, women are more likely to be part of the sandwich generation, often balancing caregiving roles with their professional and personal lives. Furthermore, with the increasing median age of first-time parents and smaller family sizes, the pressures on these caregivers are intensifying.

 

Emotional and Psychological Impact on the Sandwich Generation

Caring for both children and aging parents places significant emotional and psychological strain on individuals. The constant juggling of responsibilities can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxiety, and depression. The emotional toll is often compounded by the guilt of not being able to devote enough time to either their children or their parents. This dual caregiving role can create a sense of isolation, as sandwich generation caregivers may feel that others do not understand the breadth of their responsibilities.

 

Physical Health Consequences for Sandwich Generation Caregivers

The physical demands of caregiving can also take a toll on health. Sandwich generation caregivers often experience chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and increased susceptibility to illness due to the stress and physical exertion of their dual roles. The need to manage multiple caregiving tasks, such as assisting with daily activities for their parents and attending to their children’s needs, can lead to neglecting their own health and well-being.

 

Financial Strain on the Sandwich Generation

The financial impact of being in the sandwich generation is significant. Many caregivers face the burden of high healthcare costs for their aging parents, alongside the expenses associated with raising children. This financial strain can be exacerbated by the need to reduce work hours or even leave the workforce to provide adequate care. According to a study from the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, sandwich generation caregivers are twice as likely to report financial difficulty compared to those caring only for an elderly parent.

 

Unique Challenges for Healthcare Professionals in the Sandwich Generation

For healthcare professionals, the challenges of being in the sandwich generation are even more pronounced. These individuals are already in demanding caregiving roles at work, and extending this care into their personal lives can lead to extreme burnout. The emotional exhaustion from caring for patients all day and then returning home to care for family members is a significant source of stress. Healthcare professionals may also find it difficult to set boundaries, leading to further emotional and physical depletion.

 

Coping Strategies for the Sandwich Generation: Managing Stress and Finding Balance

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards finding effective coping strategies. It is crucial for sandwich generation caregivers to prioritize self-care and seek support.

 

  1. Prioritize Self-Care: It's essential to take care of yourself first. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial. Activities like yoga, meditation, and hobbies can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

  2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to additional responsibilities that can increase your stress levels. Setting clear boundaries at work and home can help you manage your time and energy more effectively.

  3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professional counselors. Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and understanding, offering emotional support and practical advice.

  4. Utilize Resources: Take advantage of resources available to you, such as caregiver training programs, financial support services, and community resources designed to assist with elder care and child-rearing.

  5. Professional Counseling: Consider seeking professional counseling to help manage the emotional and psychological challenges. At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we offer tailored support for healthcare professionals dealing with the pressures of the sandwich generation.

 

How Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching Supports the Sandwich Generation

At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we specialize in supporting individuals in the sandwich generation, particularly those in healthcare. Our services include:

  • Individual Counseling: Personalized sessions to address stress, anxiety, and burnout.

  • Coaching Services: Professional coaching to help you balance your caregiving responsibilities with your career and personal life.

 

Schedule with Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching

Being part of the sandwich generation is a challenging and often overwhelming experience, especially for healthcare professionals. At Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching, we are committed to providing the support and resources you need to navigate this demanding phase of life. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right strategies and support, you can find a balance that works for you and your family.

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can help you manage the ebb and flow of life's challenges.


Our Coaching Team


Dr. Heimbeck

Dörte Heimbeck, PhD, brings 25 years of experience as an internal, consulting psychologist. From her experience primarily in healthcare, she has developed a deep, practical understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics in large and complex organizations.


She is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified professional coach (PCC) and fellow at the at the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and provides wellness and leadership coaching to physicians, advanced practice professionals, leaders and beyond. In helping her clients overcome burnout, reconnect to the meaning and purpose of their profession, thrive in their professional and personal lifes, Dr. Heimbeck has found her professional calling.


Most recently (until her move to Boston, MA in the Fall of 2023) she served as the as the Associate Chief Wellness Officer for Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa Florida. Dr. Heimbeck co-leads organizational efforts to improve professional wellbeing through an operational emphasis on meaningful, essential work, a culture that promotes wellbeing and through tailored resiliency support programs.


Dr. Heimbeck was trained in Germany (MS in Psychology with a minor in Medicine from the University of Giessen) and The Netherlands ( PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from the University of Amsterdam).


Meet with Dr. Heimbeck today!


Dr. Collins

Dr. Collins is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO and Founder of Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching. She is a graduate of Hershey High School, Penn State University (BS, MA), Philadelphia College of Medicine (MS, PsyD), and Fairleigh Dickinson University (MSCP). She became interested in psychology in middle school and never looked back, aligning all of her educational pursuits with her goal of understudying human behavior and helping people change for the better. She has been licensed at the doctoral level for 12 years and worked as a clinical psychologist within a health system for 13 years.

 

In an effort to achieve optimal work-life balance, Dr. Collins transitioned into private practice and Ebb & Flow Counseling + Coaching was born in January 2023. She has PSYPACT authority to provide tele psychology services to clients across 39 U.S. states. 

 

Dr. Collins was the Chief Well-Being Officer for her prior health system for 3 years, assessing clinician burnout within the medical staff and designing interventions to support their well-being. In private practice, she works 1:1 with physicians and medical professionals throughout the country on their desire for improved work/life balance.


Clients of Dr. Collins say she is warm and compassionate, challenges them towards change when needed, and uses timely therapeutic humor to put them at ease.

Contact Dr. Collins to Set Up an Appointment!


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