- Summarize literature about the sandwich generation. Be sure to explain the following:
- What is the sandwich generation?
- What are some of the effects on caregivers of the sandwich generation?
- Review the case study to gain insight of the circumstances surrounding the client, Helen Petrakis.
- Explain Solution-Focused Group Therapy. How can Solution Focused Group Therapy help caregivers like Helen Petrakis to focus on self-care?
- Describe the following elements of a planning a treatment group and how you would utilize each element to planning a treatment group to support caregivers of the sandwich generation.
- Type of treatment group – Supportive
- Purpose of the group
- Membership
- Method to recruit
- Composition
- Size
- Open/closed
- Monitoring
The Effects of Caregiving
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
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The Effects of Caregiving
Introduction
Family responsibilities come in many forms and can either be permanent or temporary. Family responsibility includes caring for siblings, children, and parents. Family responsibilities are different from chores in the sense that one is meeting an important need for their family as opposes to simply lending a hand (Burke, 2017). The sandwich generation is known for assisting grandparents or older adult relatives. This paper defines a sandwich generation, its effects on individuals, the solution focuses on group therapy for sandwich generation caregivers, and elements of planning treatment.
Sandwich Generation
Sandwich generation refers to adults who are pressured to support both aging parents and growing children. These individuals are called so because they are sandwiched between the responsibility to care for their aging parents (who are unable to perform different various tasks, are ill, or require financial support) and children who require financial, emotional, and physical support (Burke, 2017). About one in seven Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 years are simultaneously providing some financial assistance to both a child and a parent. Approximately 12% of parents are in the sandwich generation.
Sandwiched generation caregivers experience some difficulties, which make their responsibilities difficult to perform. These caregivers experience financial strain as they can spend up to $500 a month to care for their old ones. According to Burke (2017), two-third of parents in Canada are now supporting their adult children and parents at the same time. Most sandwich generation admits that they make financial sacrifices due to caretaking. Caring for someone is generally stressful, especially when caregivers have to balance work and family. Caregivers must balance a full-time job, their own families, and the needs of one or more parents (Burke, 2017). Some caregivers themselves can suffer health problems as a result of not having time or energy to take care of themselves.
Solution-Focused Group Therapy
According to Proudlock & Wellman (2011), solution-focused group therapy (SFT) is a future focuses, goal-oriented approach to therapy that acknowledges the importance of searching for solutions rather than focusing on the problem. This therapy approach can be used to help caregivers such as Helen Petrakis to focus on self-care. For instance, the patient can attend three to five sessions, in which the therapist asks the client to envisage a preferred future in which their problem(s) have dissipated, and hence elicit from them a description of what they might be doing if this miracle were to happen (Taylor, 2019). It allows clients to channel their thoughts into seeing how they can move step by step into finding solutions.
Elements of planning a treatment group
The plan of the treatment group would include several elements including the type of treatment group, the purpose of the group, membership, method to recruitment, composition, size, open/closed, and monitoring (Taylor, 2019). The type of treatment group is the group in which the sandwich caregiver joins. The caregiver’s treatment group would allow for Helen to have a sense of belonging, reduce her anxiety/distress and find a proper solution. Helen Petrakis would gain a sense of empowerment and control to help all family members she cares for. The treatment group is supported by the hospital that would help the patient during the experience. The purpose of the group would be to provide a safe and supportive environment for communication, sharing information, advice, insight, and encouragement to the individuals (Proudlock & Wellman, 2011). The caregiver treatment group would provide an opportunity for Helen Petrakis to learn and express their caring for Magma and the rest of the family members.
Regarding membership and method of recruitment for the treatment group, the therapists would inform other staff members about the group. They would also publish the group on hospital bulletins trying to explain what it entails. They would also advertise it through the registered patient emails (Taylor, 2019). Additionally, the healthcare professionals, especially the group interdisciplinary team to select patients they think are most likely to benefit from the group. The group should be open to all eligible patients regardless of their ethnic, cultural, racial, and financial backgrounds.
The group size is a very important element of the treatment group. The group would consist of individuals not exceeding 15 members to maintain the effectiveness and integrity of the group. Trained and licensed professionals would keep close monitoring of the group to ensure the therapy sessions are successful and that patients have positive outcomes (Proudlock & Wellman, 2011). The group composition would be both female and male members. Ethical issues such as respect for other members, active listening, not interrupting others, will be reinforced to ensure the integrity of the group.
Conclusion
Sandwich generation assists their parents and children simultaneously. They are mid adults between 40 and 60 years of age. They often experience some difficulties, such as financial constraints, lack of time, and difficulty balancing between work and family. Caregivers must balance a full-time job, their own families, and the needs of one or more parents. Solution-focused group therapy (SFT) can be applied to help the sandwich generation caregivers to care for their loved ones.
Reference
Burke, R. J. (2017). The sandwich generation: individual, family, organizational and societal challenges and opportunities. In The Sandwich Generation. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=The+sandwich+generation%3A+individual%2C+family%2C+organizational+and+societal+challenges+and+opportunities&btnG=
Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45-54.
Taylor, E. (2019). Solution-focused therapy with children and adolescents: Creative and play-based approaches. Routledge.