Paper
Sunday, November 4, 2007

91
This presentation is part of : Caregivers and Caring Behaviors
Lives Ripped Apart: The Experience of Caregivers of the Sandwich Generation
Jill E. Winland-Brown, EdD, MSN, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA and Susan Rainey, MSN, College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA.
Learning Objective #1: discuss the personal challenges inherent in the situation of women sandwiched into caring for persons in two different generations.
Learning Objective #2: discuss anticipatory planning and strategires to assist sandwiched generation caregivers in their role.

 

LIVES RIPPED APART: THE EXPERIECE OF CAREGIVERS OF THE SANDWICH GENERATION

 ABSTRACT

 This phenomenological study involved 11 women sandwiched between caring for an older relative as well as children.  When asked, “What is the meaning of the experience to you being in the sandwich generation?”, five themes emerged using Colaizzi’s method.  The exhaustive description of the experience revealed that the experience of being sandwiched between and caring for other generations results in the caregiver feeling ripped apart.  Anger, frustration, and ultimately guilt resulted from being in this situation with a lack of support and inadequate communication.  Taking time and knowing how to care for self may have freed the caregiver to enjoy the moment.  The needs for anticipatory planning and strategies to assist caregivers in their role are discussed.

 Key words: sandwich generation; caregiver stress; caregiving; role strain

           

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