Sandwich Generation Caregivers: What's in a Name?

This month we will be focusing on a specific type of family caregiver--sandwich generation caregivers. While we talked a lot about this topic and the issues related to naming caregiving, we never defined sandwich generation caregivers in our discussion. So, here is a better late than never definition: someone caring for both young and old at the same time. They are essentially "sandwiched" between generations. Here is a great article, if you want to dive deep: https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/03/22/caregivers-sandwich-generation/

To open the podcast, we shared a quote: 
"So far you have survived 100% of your worst days. You are doing great!"

Truth :)

Our news for this episode emphasized the caregiving of Gen Z. About 72% of individuals in Gen Z expect to be caregivers, yet 16% understand the costs required to do this caregiving. Yikes!! These folks already have the deck stacked against them with rising costs in all facets of life, including long term care. This is a great place for policy work that supports people who are aging and the people who will care for them. Here is an article to learn more: https://www.fastcompany.com/90995611/gen-z-elder-care-crisis-aging-parents

The bulk of our conversation focused on labeling and naming family caregiving. We talked about both the challenges that can arise and the benefits that can come from calling something what it is. The work setting was one area we identified where naming family caregiving could come with some additional baggage. But, if we can work on caregiver friendly workplaces and better health policy, maybe that does not always have to be the case. Here is an interesting academic article about word use with family caregiving: https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jgs.15988

Finally, Megan mentioned the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, but provided the wrong context for it (oops and sorry!). That is the danger of having unscripted conversations. We always want to be sure we are providing y'all with accurate information. So, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act is all about creating awareness and infrastructure for family caregiving. You can read more here: 

https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/raise-family-caregiving-advisory-council

What Megan referenced is actually called the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable Act. This is being adopted at the state level, and it requires that hospitals record the family caregiver in the electronic health record, notify them when their care recipient or loved one is being discharged, and provide education to the family caregiver. You can read more here: 

https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/caregiving-advocacy/info-2014/aarp-creates-model-state-bill.html

Thanks for joining us today and take care!!

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