Many people have heard this phrase but may not be quite sure what it means. We'll begin by explaining it in more detail and then share a profile of who typically finds themselves in this situation.

What does the term sandwich generation caregiver mean?

The phrase sandwich generation caregiver is used to describe an adult who is simultaneously caring for their own children and their aging parents (or another relative or a friend). They're "sandwiched" between the two generations that depend on them.

With people living longer and having children later in life, more families are finding themselves in this situation. The emotional, financial and time pressures that sandwich generation caregivers face can be overwhelming.

You are not alone: statistics on sandwich generation caregivers

To give you a broader picture of what sandwich generation caregiving looks like, here are some statistics:

• According to Pew Research Center, about 23% of adults in this country fall into the category of sandwich generation caregiver.

• Adults in their forties are most likely to be filling this dual role, with 54% of them taking it on. For those in their fifties, the number falls to 36%.

• Family caregiving generally falls on the women in the family. Research shows about 57% of them have had to cut back on work hours or take a temporary leave of absence from their job. That can create long-term financial setbacks.

While it's easy to see that being sandwiched between two generations of your family can be stressful, it's important to know that the strain of caregiving can also lead to much more serious health issues. So, let's take a closer look at what caregiver burnout is and how to recognize it.

Understanding caregiver burnout and its warning signs can help sandwich generation family members avoid a health crisis of their own. Here's what people should know:

Defining Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver burnout refers to a state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion that develops from the prolonged stress of caregiving. It often happens when people devote so much energy to others that they neglect their own needs. It can lead to overwhelming fatigue and reduced ability to provide effective care. Unfortunately, caregiver burnout can also cause health conditions ranging from headaches and back injuries to depress and hypertension.

The most common causes of caregiver burnout include:

• Lack of personal time or social support

• Unrealistic expectations of oneself ("I should be able to do it all")

• Financial stress related to sandwich generation caregiving

• Progression of the senior's illness, especially dementia

Recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout

It's important to learn to recognize the signs of caregiver overwhelm before a crisis occurs. While the symptoms of an overwhelmed caregiver can vary, some of the most common red flags are:

• Tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with sleep

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or being trapped

• Withdrawal from friends, family and once-enjoyable activities

• Irritability, anxiety or anger

• New sleep problems (too much or too little)

• Loss of appetite or unintended change in weight

• Frequent illnesses due to weakened immunity

Without a doubt, winter can be a tough time of year for many people, even those who aren't caregivers. But when you are caregiving for others, especially seniors with dementia or mobility challenges , the dreary days and inclement weather can have a significant impact on your mental and physical well-being.

Seasonal Factors that Influence Caregiver Burnout

Some of the factors that can contribute to caregiver burnout in the winter include:

• Reduced sunlight exposure: Shorter days and less sunlight can lead to a case of the winter blues or even a more serious cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

• Cold weather: Chilly temperatures and travel hazards can leave a sandwich generation caregiver stuck at home more. Being isolated for weeks or months on end can lead to sadness and depression.

• Illnesses: Winter brings with it a higher risk for illness. Colds, flus and other viruses tend to make the rounds when the temperature drops.

• Post-holiday blues: it's a tough reality for family caregivers - after the hustle and bustle of family gatherings and other festivities, the cold, gray days of winter can be cheerless and long.

If you are an adult trying to support and care for both older and younger generations of your family, taking good care of yourself during the winter months is vital.