Investigation of Sandwich Generation Caregiver Perceptions and Factors
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Eastern Illinois University The Keep Masters Theses Student Theses & Publications 2017 Investigation of Sandwich Generation Caregiver Perceptions and Factors of Caregiving Strain Samantha Marie Young Eastern Illinois University This research is a product of the graduate program in Aging Studies at Eastern Illinois University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Young, Samantha Marie, "Investigation of Sandwich Generation Caregiver Perceptions and Factors of Caregiving Strain" (2017). Masters Theses. 2711. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2711 This is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses & Publications at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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Investigation of Sandwich Generation Caregiver Perceptions and Factors of Caregiving Strain {TITLE) BY Samantha Marie Young THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF Master of Arts in Aging Studies IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS 2017 YEAR I HEREBY RECOMMEND THAT THIS THESIS BE ACCEPTED AS FULFILLING THIS PART OF THE GRADUATE DEGREE CITED ABOVE s-11-17 �17 THESIS COMMITTEE CHAIR DATE DEPARTMENT/SCHO<ll.,.CHAIR DATE OR CHAIR'S DESIGNEE � THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE THEj>IS CO�TTEE MEMBER E S-P-17 • THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE THESIS COMMITTEE MEMBER DATE Copyright© 2017 Samantha Marie Young All Rights Reserved Running Head: SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVER I Investigation of Sandwich Generation Caregiver Perceptions and Factors of Caregiving Strain Samantha Marie Young EasternIl linois University SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVER 11 Dedication This thesis is dedicated to all of the Sandwich Generation caregivers, fortheir devotion to their parent(s), children, and other role responsibilities. SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVER lll Acknowledgments First and foremost, I would like to thank thepr ofessor who encouraged me to pursue graduate school, Dr. Jacquelyn Frank. Next, I would like to thank the faculty on my thesis committee who mentored me throughout my thesis: Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, Dr. Jeanne Lord, and Dr. Linda Simpson. Other influential members of the Eastern Illinois University community who supported me throughout my thesis include Dr. Ryan Hendrickson and Dr. Katherine Shaw. I would like to thank my family foralways encouraging me and helping me to pursue my passion. Thank you foralways sending me motivational cards, as well as being my number one supporters. Thank you to my brother, Shawn Young; mother, Linda Young; father, David Young; grandmothers, MarilynGotts and Kathy Young; and grandfather, John Young. I would like to thank my two best friends, Jesse Garibaldi and Brittany Margherio, for always believing in me. I am thankful that I met both of you during my undergraduate degree program at EasternIl linois University because I wouldn't be the person I am today without both of you by my side. Thank you to Norman Gotts, my grandfather, who passed during my Master's program. I hope you are enjoying countless Heath bars and apple fritters in Heaven. I love you. I would like to thank the individuals and organizations who took the time to assist me in my research study, including, but not limited to: Jenny Dawley, Mike Cooper, Carole Brecht, Kristen Edens, Kathe Kline, Rita Merienne, Booming Encore, the National Alliance forCaregiving (NAC), and Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA). SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVER lV Abstract The Sandwich Generation caregiver is responsible forcaring fortheir children and parents simultaneously (Miller, 1981). In this study, stressors, burdens, and strains were analyzed in relation to caregiver demographics and the following variables: caregiving relationship quality, caregiving roles, communication, and resources (time and finances). The purpose of this study is to investigate the factorsthat contribute to perceived strains in Sandwich Generation caregivers. The Sandwich Generation Caregiver Survey was distributed through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin), email, listservs, and word of mouth through a nonprobability snowball approach (Creswell, 2012). The researcher used frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores to analyze descriptive data through the use of path analysis (charts and graphs). Caregiving relationship quality displayed high levels of interconnection among caregiving roles, communication, and resources (time and finances). For caregiving roles, caregiver participants indicated feelinga low level of support fromtheir siblings. Moderate levels of strain were perceived by caregivers in their communication patterns with siblings. Caregiverparticipan ts' perceptions ofresources (time and finances) ranged from moderate to high levels of lacking resource availability and stress related to resources. Future research on caregiver strain will improve programs and support networks that provide resources, as well as self-care techniques, forSandwich Generation caregivers. Keywords: Sandwich Generation, Sandwich Generation caregiver, caregiver, caregiver strain, caregiving relationship quality, caregiving roles, caregiver communication, caregiver resources, caregiver self-care SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVER v Table of Contents Dedication ............................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ iii Abstract .................................................................................................................. iv Table of Contents .....................................................................................................v CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION Need for Study ......................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem .........................................................................................2 Research Objectives .................................................................................................2 Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................3 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW The Sandwich Generation Primary Caregiver .........................................................5 Caregiver Demographics .........................................................................................5 Geographical location ................................................................................. 6 Daughters as caregivers .............................................................................