STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

The “Sandwich Generation” Phenomenon The concept of the “Sandwich Generation” resonates with many, as about 25 percent of Americans—40 percent of them women and mothers—experience it firsthand. Coined in the 1980s, this term reflects the challenges posed by longer life expectancy and later family-building. It is particularly relatable to those in their 40s and 50s, who often find themselves balancing responsibilities between their own children and their aging parents.

The Challenge of Dual Caregiving At the core of this phenomenon is the struggle to make daily decisions that impact the well-being of loved ones on both ends of the age spectrum. Many parents today find themselves stretched thin, juggling the basic needs and emotional well-being of their children while also assisting their aging parents with decisions about living arrangements, declining health, or end-of-life care.

This strain is further amplified by the fact that both generations seek independence while relying on the same caregiver for support. The emotional resilience required to navigate these competing priorities can be overwhelming. Often, individuals in the Sandwich Generation sacrifice their own well-being to meet the needs of those they love.

Outsourcing vs. Emotional Burden While outsourcing household services like cleaning, lawn care, or grocery delivery can alleviate some burdens, it does little to ease the emotional and physical demands of assisting with healthcare for both aging parents and growing children. Hiring professional caregivers is not always a viable option, nor is it always sufficient.

Bridging the Gap with Doctor Daughters As both mothers and daughters, the personal physician consultants at Doctor Daughters understand these challenges firsthand. They have supported their own loved ones through similar experiences and recognize the difficulties families face in navigating the healthcare system.

Studies indicate that 24 percent of people do not fully comprehend medical information shared during doctor visits, and 31 percent forget it immediately afterward. Many adult children want to support their aging parents but cannot always attend appointments or track changing medications. Furthermore, aging individuals may hesitate to share their medical concerns with family members due to fear of being a burden.

Doctor Daughters serves as a bridge between families and healthcare providers by clarifying diagnoses, reinforcing care plans, and improving communication among relatives and medical teams. Their services help manage tough conversations and address difficult questions that arise with aging and health-related changes.

Supporting Young Adults with Campus Consult While aging parents strive to maintain their independence, young adults are experiencing independence for the first time. Some are preparing to leave home, study abroad, or return home after college. Regardless of their situation, they still need guidance from trusted adults.

Similar to their grandparents, young adults are not always forthcoming about their healthcare needs. Parents worry about whether their children will seek help during a medical emergency or know how to advocate for themselves. To address this concern, Doctor Daughters created Campus Consult, a service that provides young adults with direct access to a physician for expert guidance when needed.

A Helping Hand in Challenging Times There is no one-size-fits-all solution for families feeling the squeeze of the Sandwich Generation. Often, the best approach is to take things one day at a time. The personal physician consultants at Doctor Daughters offer a listening ear, expert guidance, and much-needed respite along the way.

For more information, visit doctordaughters.com and follow @doctordaughters on Instagram and Facebook.