Working sandwiched-generation caregivers: Prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes.

Some workers today are caring for family members at both ends of the life span—children and elders. This first national study specifically of dual-earner couples in the sandwiched generation examined their prevalence and their work and family characteristics and outcomes. Couples who were married or living together for at least 1 year who met additional study qualifications were identified using computer-assisted telephone interviewing; both members of 309 couples from across the United States independently completed mail surveys. Screening results indicated that between 9% and 13% of U.S. households contain adults aged 30 or over who work and who provide care to both aging parents and children. This paper (a) presents an overview of existing literature concerning the sandwiched generation; (b) describes key characteristics and outcomes for dual-earner couples caring for children and aging parents; (c) compares the findings for husbands and wives; and (d) discusses the implications of these findings both ...