New Survey: Sandwich Generation Faces Financial, Caregiving Burdens
Washington, D.C. – A new survey conducted by Morning Consult for the Bipartisan Policy Center found that Americans who are part of the so-called “Sandwich Generation,” financially supporting both an older adult and a child, face unique challenges in balancing work and life, as well as in managing their finances.
BPC published the results of the poll today, ahead of an event on caregiving and the Sandwich Generation, featuring former Sen. Chris Dodd, who serves on BPC’s Task Force on Paid Family Leave.
Nearly half of middle-aged adults have a parent age 65 or older and either a minor child at home or an adult child whom they are financially supporting. Many of those adults are part of the Sandwich Generation of caregivers. The BPC/Morning Consult survey found that these caregivers are significantly more likely than the average American to have a pessimistic view of their financial futures.
The survey also found that Sandwich Generation caregivers were more likely than other caregivers to have increased work hours, taken on a second job, or started working when they had not previously been employed in order to afford caregiving expenses, meaning these caregivers are facing increased burdens at work and at home.