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Health and Wellbeing

What is the sandwich generation and why are they so burnt out?

Ashleigh Gibson

4th February, 2026

Young woman leading over old woman smiling at each other

The ‘sandwich generation’ are the adults who look after both their own children and their ageing relatives, often while juggling paid work.

In the UK, this group of people is growing, as life expectancy rises and people delay parenthood. The result? More adults find themselves stressed or totally burnt out as they’re pulled in multiple directions.

Simply put, the sandwich generation is a demographic ‘caught in the middle’, spread thin between the needs of the younger and older generations on either side of them. That’s where the term sandwich generation comes from. Like a sandwich filling, these caregivers are wedged between many competing responsibilities.

Key takeaways:

The sandwich generation is growing - and it’s a tough club to be a member of.
Burnout and stress are widespread.
Practical and financial support really matters.

Sandwich generation definition: Who are they?

So, who are the sandwich generation? Typically, they’re in their 30s to 60s, often Millennials or Gen Xers. They may have young or teenage children still living at home, while their parents - or even grandparents - require assistance due to ageing, disability or illness.

ONS data suggests there were around 1.4 million sandwich carers in the UK between 2021 and 2023. Most (about 61%) were women, and half were aged 45 - 64.

Challenges faced by the sandwich generation

The challenges are weighty - and often involve making big financial or emotional decisions.

Limited personal time: Caring for loved ones (older and younger) while holding down a job leaves scarce time for yourself.
The burden of responsibility: Many sandwich carers endure stress, exhaustion and burnout due to their overlapping roles. They constantly worry about what the future holds. Public Health research links prolonged caregiving hours - especially over 20 hours per week - with long-term physical and mental health decline.
Financial strain: Supporting older relatives can stretch household finances. For example, paying to adapt homes with grip rails or ramps.

Work-life conflict

But despite money worries - sandwich carers are often breadwinners - many take time out of work, ditching the office to chauffeur the children to school and older relatives to medical appointments.

One Carers UK report indicated employers are losing 600+ carers a day because people quit jobs to cope with caring commitments.

And this is where the biggest hidden costs of caregiving lie. In lost incomes and hours of unpaid work.

The UK’s sandwich generation: The new normal?

The sandwich generation in the UK is set to grow. An ageing population - with those 75+ set to rise in coming decades (ONS) - means more people will carry dual caring responsibilities in the future.

So, what support is available?

Sandwich generation support: What helps?

Support for the sandwich generation falls into a few key areas:

Workplace flexibility: Employers can help by offering flexible hours, carer leave and recognising caregiving in policies - so employees don’t have to give up work.

Financial assistance: UK carers can apply for support like Carer’s Allowance (set to increase to £204 per week from April 2026). If on a low income or out of work they may also be eligible for Universal Credit, which can include an extra carer element to support unpaid caregiving. Although many carers aren’t aware of these entitlements.

Community and professional services: Respite care (when a trained caregiver, volunteer, care worker or service steps in to look after your loved one), counselling and support groups provide practical and emotional lifelines.

Budgeting tips for the Sandwich Generation

Managing your finances can feel overwhelming. To juggle the costs of raising a family, paying the bills and caring for elderly parents, budgeting is key.

Here are tips to help you stay in control:

1. Review your finances regularly

Start by looking at your household income and outgoings in detail. Track where your money goes - e.g. on bills, food, transport, leisure - and identify areas where you can cut back or reallocate your spend. Free tools like MoneyHelper’s Budget Planner can make this easier.

2. Plan ahead for big future costs

Thinking long-term helps you prepare for large future expenses. Even small regular contributions to a dedicated savings fund can make a big difference over time.

3. Make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to

Consider a benefits check from a trusted source like Carers UK or Citizen’s Advice. You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, carer credits toward your National Insurance, Universal Credit with the carer element, council tax discounts or grants from organisations and charities.

4. Build an emergency fund

Unexpected costs can quickly upset even the most balanced budget. Aim to build an emergency savings buffer - even £10–£20 a week can help - and treat this savings pot as untouchable unless it’s an emergency.

5. Think smart about debt

If you’re carrying debt, don’t let it spiral. Prioritise high-interest debts first, and talk to a financial adviser or organisations like Citizens Advice if you’re struggling. Sometimes restructuring repayments or consolidating debt can give you more breathing room in your monthly budget.

6. Separate personal and care-related finances

When caring for older relatives, keep their finances distinct from your own - especially if they may need to apply for benefits themselves. Detailed financial records help prove you’re eligible for support and prevent legal complications later.

7. Open financial conversations with your family

Clear communication with both your children and ageing parents can ease stress. Discuss how you plan to save, budget and spend going forward and what the priorities are. That way, everyone is on the same page.

8. Seek professional financial advice

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a financial planner can help you balance priorities like pension contributions, savings, insurance, inheritance planning and long-term care costs.

Bringing it all together: Supporting the sandwich generation

Being in the sandwich generation often means your heart and your wallet are stretched in several directions. Balancing childcare, bills and daily life can feel like a constant battle.

The good news? With planning, support and the right solutions, you can take back some peace of mind.

The right mobility products can reduce pressure on carers - and on your budget - by helping older family members stay safe and supported at home. A rise and recline chair can mean your loved one rests comfortably without extra help. An adjustable bed can ease a parent’s night-time discomfort.

Our friendly mobility experts are always happy to help, with free home demonstrations and no-pressure advice, because every family’s needs are unique.

FAQs: What is the sandwich generation?

What other sandwich generation carers are asking…

Is Gen Z the sandwich generation?

Gen Z (people born from the late 1990s through the early 2010s) aren’t typically seen as part of the sandwich generation yet. Most of Gen Z are still too young to be simultaneously raising children and caring for older parents.

However, caregiving patterns are shifting. Some younger Gen Z adults are already taking on responsibilities for siblings, parents or grandparents in different ways - especially in an era of rising living costs and delayed independence.

Why are Millennials called the sandwich generation?

Millennials (the generation born roughly between the early 1980s and mid-1990s) are increasingly described as part of the sandwich generation because many of them are now at life stages where they’re caring for both their own children and ageing parents at the same time.

How does being part of the sandwich generation affect wellbeing?

Sandwich carers often experience reduced free time, ongoing stress and even declines in mental and physical health compared to non-carers. Studies show that high caregiving demands can have lasting effects on wellbeing.

What age is the sandwich generation?

There isn’t a strict ‘age range’, but most people described as part of the sandwich generation in the UK are aged 35 - 64. Often because this is when life experience, health changes in elderly parents and child-rearing responsibilities tend to overlap.

How can family and friends help support someone in the sandwich generation?

Even small gestures - like coordinating appointments, running errands or simply listening - can relieve pressure on sandwich generation carers. Many say having a supportive network makes a big difference to their mental and emotional wellbeing.

What is the sandwich generation and why are they so burnt out?

Sandwich generation definition: Who are they?