Rising Trend of ‘Sandwich Carers’: How Caregiving Can Impact Your Health in the Coming Years
Being a “sandwich carer,” which refers to individuals who balance caring for both aging parents and young children, can significantly impact one’s mental and physical health. Recent findings reveal that the challenges faced by these caregivers may lead to enduring health issues. It’s crucial for sandwich carers to recognize the importance of seeking support to maintain their well-being.
According to a report published on January 8 in Public Health, sandwich carers experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to non-sandwich carers. The study highlights alarming trends: those dedicating more than 20 hours weekly to caretaking tasks experienced faster physical decline. Such statistics underscore the immense pressures sandwich carers encounter.
Dr. Justin Puder, a psychologist based in Florida, shared insights into the health ramifications of being a sandwich carer. He noted, “What we see [in sandwich carers] is a huge spike in cortisol levels. When stress rises, almost all other mental health difficulties—such as depression, anxiety, and panic—increase as well.” This not only indicates a struggle with mental health but points to potential physical health challenges as well.
While the study further explores the effects on physical health, it suggests that caretaking duties can take a significant toll on one’s body. Baowen Xue, PhD, the study’s author and associate professor at University College London, noted, “The mental health and physical health decline associated with becoming an intensive sandwich caregiver persisted for several years.” This persistence of health issues underscores an urgent need for more robust public policies to support the growing demographic of sandwich carers.
Experts recommend solutions to alleviate the stressors faced by caretakers:
- Social Support Networks: Building a group of friends and family who can provide emotional and practical support.
- Access to Respite Care: Finding temporary care solutions for aging parents or children to allow for personal time.
- Workplace Flexibility: Engaging employers to offer flexible working conditions that accommodate caregiving responsibilities.
The unique challenges faced by sandwich carers, such as juggling responsibilities at work and home, can lead to emotional and financial stress. An estimated 2.5 million Americans and 1.3 million individuals in the U.K. fall into this caregiving category, often battling time constraints and significant costs related to housing and healthcare.
To further understand the health implications, Dr. Xue’s team analyzed data from 2,632 sandwich carers in the U.K. from 2009 to 2020. The average age of participants was nearly 37, with a majority being women. Participants filled out health questionnaires concerning their mental and physical health symptoms before, during, and after becoming a sandwich carer.
Findings indicated that self-reported mental health issues worsened as caregiving responsibilities increased. Specifically, mental and physical health problems were markedly higher among those investing at least 20 hours per week in caregiving activities. The added stress of caregiving can contribute to a significant decline in personal health.
Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic Women’s Health Center, pointed out, “Many sandwich carers end up scheduling and attending many doctor’s appointments for their parents and children, but there is often a significant drop in self-care.” Missing personal healthcare appointments can elevate the risk of chronic conditions, making it vital for sandwich carers to prioritize their health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report highlights that conditions such as obesity, asthma, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are more prevalent among caregivers than among non-caregivers.
Strategies for Protecting Your Health as a Sandwich Carer
While the research on the health impact of caregiving continues to grow, it’s essential for current sandwich carers to actively monitor their mental and physical well-being. The study’s authors emphasized the need for targeted interventions, yet until those are established, individual self-care remains a priority.
Although it may be challenging, delegating tasks is advisable whenever possible. Individuals should consider communicating with family members about sharing responsibilities. Dr. Albers suggests, “You might ask your partner to check in on an aging parent for a day, or discuss with siblings how to divvy up caregiving tasks.”
For those unable to delegate, talking about struggles with a healthcare provider, therapist, or trusted friend can provide necessary relief. Dr. Puder noted, “There’s an unspoken shame [people feel], where they think, ‘I’m not allowed to say I’m burned out, because my mother with Alzheimer’s or my helpless kids need me.’” Understanding that it’s acceptable to articulate feelings of overwhelm is vital.
Ultimately, being open about the demands of sandwich caregiving can facilitate better mental health practices. As emphasized by Dr. Puder, “There’s no shame in articulating how you’re doing.” Recognizing the toll of caregiving is a fundamental step towards maintaining health and well-being.
