Navigating the challenges of the “Sandwich Generation”
If only being of the “Sandwich Generation” meant no more than a special affinity for a good muffaletta, shawarma, Reuben, bánh mì or torta.
As it happens, membership in this particular generation means something very different and far more taxing. It describes the large group of people who find themselves “sandwiched” between providing care for children and aging parents at the same time—often while also trying to manage their own careers.
It’s a huge lift, and increasingly common. According to a 2014 study by Pew Research, 23% of U.S. adults are caring for older and younger generations of their family—including more than half of people in their 40s.
Those acting as dual-care providers face excessive financial, emotional and professional challenges as they get stretched in multiple directions. How do you balance finances? Budget for education costs and healthcare bills? Manage the emotional weight of being the go-to person for kids and parents without burning out? Meet work demands? Carve out time for yourself?
These particular challenges—which may feel all-too familiar—will be addressed in The Whole U’s engaging and insightful panel discussion “Managing the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation,” which will be live, free and online Wednesday, January 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The distinguished panel of experts from the UW and partner organizations includes:
- Jenn Nguyen – Director of the UW Employee Assistance Program
- Jody Waldron, MD – Clinical Assistant Professor, Associate Medical Director for Outpatient Palliative Care, UW Medicine
- Jessica Cole – Director of UW Worklife
- Kathleen Healy – Director of Center Client Relations at Bright Horizons
- Cathy Randolph – Associate Director at the UW Retirement Association
Each panelist will share valuable insights, addressing the complexities of managing dual caregiving roles and providing useful advice on meeting and managing the distinctive challenges faced by individuals in the Sandwich Generation. They also will discuss how to find emotional rewards even in a period of intensive emotional labor.
Register today and the event Zoom link will be provided on the registration confirmation page and in a conformation email.
Special thanks to AT&T, BECU and Starbucks for sponsoring The Whole U.