In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many adults find themselves sandwiched between the responsibilities of caring for their aging parents and raising their own young children. The delicate balance between caregiving, parenting, work and personal time is a challenge faced by a growing number of individuals, globally. This population is aptly named the Sandwich Generation.
This demographic faces unique challenges, including financial strain, time management, emotional stress and the expectations of meeting the diverse needs of two very different generations. Understanding the scope of this challenge is the first step in finding effective solutions.
Most Malaysians have grown up in a culture that promotes filial piety, and it is quite common for extended family members to live together under one roof. In fact, the Fifth Malaysian Population and Family Survey by the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia says that 70% of elderly Malaysians stay with their children or extended family members.
While it is common, this does not mean there are no hurdles to overcome. The Sandwich Generation nonetheless finds considerable pressure on their finances and time, necessitating careful planning and thoughtful strategies.
If you find yourself in this precarious position, here are some practical tips to help you navigate this demanding journey.
- Practise open communication and planning: Effective communication with both generations is crucial. Sit down with your family members to discuss expectations, roles and responsibilities. Create a schedule that allocates time for caregiving, parenting, work and personal activities. Adjustments will be needed, so be flexible and open to change.
- Delegate responsibilities: Share caregiving duties with other family members, if possible. Divide tasks based on each individual’s strengths and availability. This lightens the load and allows for a more manageable caregiving plan. Your spouse, siblings, parents, children, nieces, nephews and friends can also help with meals, errands, or by assisting with other chores.
- Utilise support services: Explore community resources, such as home health care, meal delivery services, or adult day care programmes for your aging parents. Seek local support groups or online communities where you can connect with others in similar situations and share experiences, as well as gain insights.
- Financial planning: Work with a financial advisor to plan for the costs associated with caring for both your parents and your children. This could involve setting up budgets, exploring insurance options and considering long-term care plans.
- Prioritise self-care: Make time for self-care and personal interests. It is vital to recharge physically and emotionally to provide the best care for your loved ones. Even small moments of self-care, like reading a book or going for a walk, can make a big difference.
- Give and receive support: Being a supportive partner is key to working through challenges together. This means taking turns to assume the various responsibilities and being a reliable partner to count on provides assurance that tasks can still be taken care off when there are times you or your partner need to focus on other things.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer if you can. Remote work, flexible hours, or reduced schedules can help you better manage your caregiving and parenting responsibilities without having to compromise your job performance.
Being part of the Sandwich Generation can be challenging, but it’s also possible to strike a balance that meets the needs of all family members. Remember to seek support from community resources, friends and family to make this journey a little smoother. Take it one step at a time and know that you’re doing your best in a demanding situation.
