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The overall purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of sandwich generation (SG) women and the influence multigenerational caregiving had on their health behaviors. The specific purpose of this paper was to examine the roles of SG women, whom are individuals providing care to both their aging parents/in-laws and children (Sinha, Spotlight on Canadians: Results from the General Social Survey: Portrait of caregivers, 2012. Statistics Canada catalogue no. 89-652-X - No. 001, Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division, Ottawa, Ontario, 2013). This study was qualitative in nature and utilized the theoretical orientation of phenomenology. Nine SG women completed a background questionnaire and a semi-structured one-on-one interview. After critically analyzing the data, four salient themes emerged, however, this paper only focused on the theme the role of the caregiver. Five subthemes were developed from this theme: (1) Physical care; (2) 'Sounding board': Emotional aspects of caregiving; (3) Never enough time in the day; (4) Am I a caregiver to my children?; and (5) Transitions and variations in caregiving. These findings provide an in-depth understanding of the role of SG women and the complexities that occur when faced with caregiving. This study hopes to provide more knowledge to support government legislation, sandwich generation caregivers, and healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, 231,840 American women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. This figure represents mothers, wives, or sisters diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis which has the potential to affect those closest to them, especially their immediate family. This research aimed to examine the lived experience of a family unit that lost their spouse/mother/sister-in-law to invasive breast cancer. A phenomenological case study was utilized to guide this research. One family unit, consisting of a spouse, daughter, son, and sister-in-law to the deceased were recruited from Southern Ontario, Canada. Background questionnaires and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted. The following themes emerged: (1) negatives, describing struggles with balancing care, faith, and living after a death in the family and (2) silver linings, depicting the strength that Nancy, the deceased, maintained during her illness, and the family's hope and optimism for the future. This paper only addresses the theme 'Negatives,' while the last theme is addressed in Part II of this research. Within the theme 'Negatives,' there were four sub-themes: (1) What About the Kids? (2) The Balancing Act, (3) Why Would He Do This? and (4) Life After Mom. Each will be discussed in turn. This research study provides valuable information regarding the lived experiences of families coping with a parental/spousal cancer diagnosis. It may assist other individuals in similar situations by providing comfort knowing that they are not the only ones encountering this journey. The participants' voices may also allow others to develop strength by understanding the effect of cancer on a family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to examine the lived experience of a family unit that lost their spouse/mother/sister-in-law to cancer. A phenomenological case study was used to guide this research. Four participants, or one family unit consisting of one spouse, one daughter, one son, and one sister-in-law to the deceased, were recruited from Southern Ontario. Background questionnaires and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with each family member. The following themes emerged: (1) Negatives and (2) Silver Linings. This paper only addresses the theme 'Silver Linings'; the first theme was addressed in Part I of this research. Within the theme 'Silver Linings,' there were two sub-themes: (1) '...She was remarkable' and (2) Hope for the future. Each will be discussed in turn. Overall, the research study revealed some silver linings that may come from a diagnosis of cancer in a family unit. The family found it difficult to find positives in the loss of their loved one; however, they were able to acknowledge that they have a heightened appreciation for others. This research study provides insight regarding the lived experiences of families coping with the cancer journey of a loved one. It may allow readers to develop a greater sense of appreciation for their health and family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]