Supporting the Sandwich Generation in Social Work Practice

This course equips social workers to support the sandwich generation with strategies, interventions, and advocacy for multigenerational caregiving challenges.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 05/01/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1354057

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485 is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

explores the complex challenges faced by the "sandwich generation”—individuals simultaneously responsible for caring for aging parents while raising their own children. Social workers are increasingly encountering clients in this position, navigating emotional strain, financial pressure, shifting family roles, and limited support systems. The course examines the dynamics of intergenerational caregiving, including psychological, social, cultural, legal, and systemic dimensions. It provides social workers with practical strategies, evidence-based interventions, and policy advocacy tools to support clients juggling multigenerational caregiving roles. Cultural competence, trauma-informed practice, and ethical considerations are emphasized throughout.

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Learning Objectives:

Identify and define the sandwich generation and understand its emergence in modern society.
Analyze the mental health challenges and coping mechanisms of sandwich generation caregivers.
Evaluate financial and occupational stressors experienced by multigenerational caregivers.
Examine how intergenerational caregiving impacts family roles and relationships.
Apply cultural humility in understanding caregiving norms and supporting diverse families.
Discuss ethical and legal challenges associated with intergenerational caregiving.
Demonstrate assessment and care planning strategies for multigenerational caregiving contexts.
Design and apply appropriate clinical interventions for sandwich generation clients.
Identify and connect clients with relevant community and institutional resources.
Assess future trends and innovations in caregiving and sustain professional practice.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction to the Sandwich Generation (12 minutes)

Definition and history of the term
Demographic trends and prevalence
Shifting family structures and life expectancy
Common caregiving scenarios

Emotional and Psychological Impacts (15 minutes)

Caregiver stress, burnout, compassion fatigue
Anxiety, depression, role conflict
Identity strain and emotional toll
Protective factors and resilience-building

Financial and Career-Related Challenges (13 minutes)

Employment interruptions and lost income
Costs of eldercare and childcare
Gendered financial burdens
Employer policies and family leave

Family Dynamics and Intergenerational Relationships (14 minutes)

Navigating parenting and eldercare simultaneously
Communication and role strain
Conflict resolution in multigenerational households
Positive relational dynamics and strengths

Cultural and Societal Influences (15 minutes)

Cultural norms around caregiving and filial responsibility
Race, ethnicity, and systemic inequities
Immigration, acculturation, and multigenerational households
Cross-cultural comparisons and expectations

Ethical, Legal, and Advocacy Considerations (15 minutes)

Informed consent and decision-making with elders
Power of attorney, guardianship, elder rights
Mandated reporting and elder abuse
Advocacy for equitable caregiving policies

Assessment and Care Planning (15 minutes)

Biopsychosocial assessments for sandwich generation clients
Identifying support systems and resources
Strengths-based care planning
Coordinating formal and informal supports

Intervention Models and Clinical Strategies (50 minutes)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches
Family systems approaches
Psychoeducation and skills training
Support groups and caregiver therapy
Integrating mindfulness, DBT, and narrative therapy techniques

Community Resources and System Navigation (16 minutes)

Accessing local, state, and federal programs (Medicaid, FMLA, respite care)
Working with multidisciplinary teams
Navigating healthcare, education, and eldercare systems
Creating referral networks

Future Directions, Innovation, and Professional Support (15 minutes)

Technological innovations in caregiving (apps, telehealth, virtual support groups)
Future of family and elder care policy
Professional self-care for social workers
Lifelong learning and continued competency

Total Minutes: 180 (3 CE Hours)

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