The Indian Caregiver
India has a deep-rooted family caregiver tradition. But, the changing social milieu, such as urbanization and nuclear family is placing significant burden on children as caregivers. Due to medical advancements, life expectancy has also increased. Caregivers play other roles as well. They may be employed full or part-time. They may be raising children, or have other family commitments. The additional responsibility of caregiving can lead to frustration and exhaustion.
The Sandwich Generation
This generation of caregivers is also known as the ‘sandwich generation’. The sandwich generation refers to the section of population, responsible both for bringing up their own children and for the care of their ageing parents. They navigate through doctor’s calls while at work, advocate for the care receiver, and take care of their day-to-day needs while trying to do all of those same things for themselves and their family. Estimates also suggest that a majority of family caregivers are female.
Caregiving Challenges
A 2019 Cigna Well-Being Survey found that 89 percent of India’s sandwich generation (aged between 35 years and 49 years) suffer varying levels of stress. This is probably due to the gradual disintegration of the joint family system caused by rapid urbanization where the children moved away from the household. The joint family had a decided advantage over nuclear. There was a division of duties and responsibilities which took the stress off a single caregiver.
It is also seen that caregivers often neglect their own well-being. They are also wrought with feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction and are sometimes overwhelmed by their obligations.
As a caregiver, maintaining health and wellbeing is extremely important. As a caregiver, if you don’t look after yourself, eventually everything else is going to fall apart. Recharging yourself regularly, empowers you to give more, because you’re giving yourself more. While it is easy to slip into the demands of the day, stop and think about solutions that could support you, as well as the well being of your entire family.
Would you like assistance for a few hours every day? Do you want to take a vacation with your family and need a short-term alternative for your parent? Do you need someone to come for a few hours as a one-time option while you go to watch your child perform? Temporary or permanent, long term or short term, visit Unmukt Festival to explore numerous solutions to suit your caregiving needs. Follow us to stay updated on active ageing solutions.