The readings inform the readers about the relevance of selflessly offering care. Particularly, the readings provide profound knowledge about making priorities, proper planning for self-care, individuals’ rights at work, sharing feelings, and seeking aid. Learning how to shift personal priorities daily can help make an individual’s tasks more manageable (Parker and Pattern). Another finding was that while caring for others; it is essential to make a plan on how to take care of oneself, such as creating personal time to eat nutritious meals, sleep well, and exercise (Peete). Moreover, knowing one’s rights at the workplace through the Family Medical Leave Act, a federal program most widely applied, is commendable (Ro). Sharing feelings in caregivers’ support groups are of great resource, whether online or in person since one can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. The readings affirm that people can call in some extra help via respite care services when they feel like giving up. Reviewing the articles plays a fundamental role in presenting the above-discussed concepts.
Similarities of those in the sandwich generation are that the people who are already bearing the intense loads are facing more strain, precariousness, and stress. In contrast, the difference is that younger adults are not financially stable compared to older adults (Parker and Pattern). The findings are, besides the financial issues, the stress of being a part of the Sandwich Generation can lead to burnout and depression (Peete). Those who are a part of the Sandwich Generation might struggle with balancing other relationships, their families, their job, and time for themselves.
Older boomers know that caring for their own parents and in-laws is neither easy nor free, and many eventually adjust their own lives around their loved ones’ needs. A study by Belden et al. (2018) interviewed sandwich generation people in a multicultural context, and several differences were identified. Those who do believe that taking care of their older relatives has affected their own lives are most often Asian Americans. Hispanics and Asian Americans are ready to help, even at the expense of work. Faith and prayer are the most common sources of support for caregiving efforts. Among those who feel stressed because they are sandwiched between the needs of my immediate family and older relatives are Hispanics and Asian Americans. Thus, cultural background, race, and nationality greatly influence the differences in the representatives of the generation of sandwiches.
Works Cited
Belden, Russonello, Stewart. “In the middle: A report on multicultural boomers coping with aging and family issues” American Association of Retired Persons, Web.
Parker, Kim. and Pattern, Eileen. “The Sandwich Generation.” Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project, Web.
Peete, Holly, Robinson. “Caring For My Sick Dad and Son with Autism Wasn’t Easy, But Here’s How I Made it Work.” Parents, Web.
Ro, Christine. “Why The ‘Sandwich Generation’ is So Stressed Out.” BBC page, Web.