The sandwich generation

27 Mar 2019

Stuck in between two layers of the family tree, members of the ‘sandwich generation’ care for ageing or sick parents on one side and children on the other.

As a result, they're at greater risk of financial problems, mental health issues and may experience a poorer quality of life in general than people without caring responsibilities.

We surveyed UK sandwich carers and discovered:

  • 1 in 3 say caring has had a detrimental effect on their mental health
  • 41% say they have less free time
  • 42% spend 10 or more hours a week caring for someone in their household 
  • 83% don’t have dedicated savings for caring
  • If faced with an unexpected expense of £500, 1 in 3 wouldn't be able to pay it.

Download the survey

Sandwich generation

Further reading

7 eye-opening facts about those caring for both children and elderly relatives

Appreciate the efforts of those who deal with this especially heavy workload.

Discover the facts

Should grandparents feel obliged to help out financially? Or should we be paying them for their help?

Parents and carers come in all shapes and sizes, and yet many still see grandparents as free childcare providers. Is it time to rethink this belief?

Find out more