Logistics
​​The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Director of Longitudinal Surveys George Pierret (2006) reports that the demographic trend within the United States indicates the definition of the Sandwich Generation. The 45 to 56 year old American who is simultaneously providing care for elderly and/or infirm parents and children whether under the same roof or not (Pierret, 2006).
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that over 12.9 million Americans have become caregivers sandwiched between children and older adults (2012). One middle-aged adult out of seven is supporting a generation on each side of them. This generation reported that they are being pulled in too many directions (Parker & Patten, 2012). Approximately 9.9 million of these caregivers are dealing with Alzheimer and dementia in the older adults. In 1.3 million of these situations, children are relied upon to be caregivers (APA, 2012).
The Commonwealth Fund in 2005 reported that One in 10 caregivers (age 19 to 64) are more likely to miss work, lack health insurance coverage, and live in households with incomes less than 2 times the Federal poverty level (APA, 2012).
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The financial support needed can be draining enough on the middle-aged adult, however, there is a need to provide emotional support to both sides as well (Parker & Patten, 2013). Specialized services are needed for children who are at risk of not reaching their optimal developmental, social, emotional and behavioral stages (APA, 2012).
In a survey conducted in 2012, the Pew Research Center reported on the changes in this trend from 2005 and the financial impact on the Sandwich Generation (Parker & Patten, 2013). Almost one-half of the 1,100 middle aged adults surveyed reported that they have provided support for their adult children in 2012 (Parker & Patten, 2013).
In 2010 the young adult demographic was reported as the hardest hit by the recession and sluggish recovery and those who were employed received less pay than in previous years (Parker & Patten, 2013).
The Sandwich Generation adult is experiencing significant consequences on their mental and behavioral health, indicative in higher levels of stress, depression, emotional and cognitive problems (APA, 2012).
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It is the disruption within the home and of their own well-being, employment, educational, and social pursits that a sandwich generational person has to evaluate and adjust their attitude toward in the development of a multi-generational life.
The Sandwich Generation Impact