Caring for two generations at once? You’re not alone.
Across the UK, millions of adults are looking after both their ageing parents and their own children. This growing group is known as the sandwich generation.
What is the Sandwich Generation?
The term “sandwich generation” describes adults, often in their 40s to 60s, who are caring for dependent children and ageing parents at the same time. With increased life expectancy and people having children later in life, this dual role is more common than ever.
According to a 2019 report by Carers UK, an estimated 2.4 million people in the UK are part of the sandwich generation, around 4% of the population, and this number is expected to rise as families continue to balance responsibilities across generations.
This group includes:
- Parents managing school-aged children or university students still at home
- Carers supporting elderly parents with mobility issues, dementia, or complex medical needs
- Individuals trying to balance it all while working full- or part-time
What Does “Sandwich Generation” Mean?
It refers to people simultaneously supporting their ageing parents while also caring for their children, emotionally, practically, and often financially. The result can be significant pressure as they find themselves “sandwiched” between two generations who depend on them.
The Demographic Shift: Why More Families Are in the Middle
- Longer life expectancy: Parents are living well into their 80s or 90s
- Delayed parenting: Adults are having children later in life
- Increased care needs: Older adults are managing chronic conditions for longer
Real-Life Scenarios
- Sarah, 48: Raising two teenagers while managing care for her mum with Parkinson’s.
- Mo, 54: Working full-time while juggling GP appointments for his dad and school events for his 10-year-old.
- Priya, 41: Sharing night shifts with her brother so their mum with early-stage dementia is never alone.
Why the Sandwich Generation Matters
This group is the backbone of family care. They provide:
- Emotional support across generations
- Hands-on help with appointments, medications, school runs, and daily living
- Financial stability, often covering costs for both children and parents
Yet their own wellbeing is frequently overlooked. Without support, many face burnout, relationship strain, and long-term health impacts.
How Country Cousins Supports Families
At Country Cousins, we understand the balance sandwich carers are trying to maintain. Our flexible live-in care (including short-term respite live-in) is designed to:
- Take pressure off overwhelmed family carers
- Provide trusted, consistent support for elderly loved ones at home
- Create space for families to thrive and not just survive
Whether you’re just starting to feel the squeeze or deep in the challenges of dual caregiving, you don’t have to do it alone.
