In the UK, around 3% of the population meet the definition of the Sandwich Generation.
This equates to approximately 1.3 million of us who are caring and supporting older relatives and dependent children. This number has grown in recent years due to better health and improved health services.
In addition, advanced sciences, and increased awareness and discussions about health in the public domain are helping people enjoy life and live longer.
I feel lucky being part of the Sandwich Generation and to have family by my side to love and care for.
However, being part of this club is also draining – not just emotionally, physically, mentally, and professionally – but financially.
Research shows two-thirds (65%) of the Sandwich Generation feel their finances are under strain
“The cost pressures of living in the current economic climate are placing real financial pressures on the shoulders of today’s middle generation… the combination of higher costs of housing, providing care for the elderly and everyday living has resulted in a squeezed generation…”
Robin Taylor, head of banking at The Co-operative
A worldwide snapshot about the Sandwich Generation
According to online sources, the countries where the Sandwich Generation are most prevalent are:
Australia – where there are approximately 2.6 million sandwich carers
China – it is estimated that the proportion of married couples aged 30–59, who are residing with or frequently providing transfer to both parents and children, was about 35.18%
Hong Kong
India – ‘joint families’ are multi-generational and every family member, ranging from young to old, is responsible for caring for one another in all aspects of life.
Korea – has the highest number of Sandwich Generation members than any other Asian country. Especially in rural areas, large, extended families live together.
Singapore – the ‘Sandwich Class’ generally support ageing parents and growing children.
United States – just over one in every eight Americans aged 40 to 70 is raising a child and caring for a parent. In addition, between seven and ten million adults care for their ageing parents from a long distance.
recommendations, tips & advice for sandwich generation carers
Claim the right benefits for your loved ones
If you’re struggling with the financial pressures of being in the Sandwich Generation, make sure you’re claiming all the relevant benefits – for you and those that depend on you.
Elderly relatives with personal and nursing care needs are likely to qualify for attendance allowance. Or, if they’re under 65, they should qualify for a personal independence payment.
If you have children under 16, make sure you’re claiming child benefit. And if you’re paying for childcare, you can help reduce the cost through the government’s tax free childcare scheme.
Claim the right benefits for you
If you’re spending more than 35 hours a week caring for someone, you may also qualify for carer’s allowance.
This could pay you up to £67.60 a week. You need to meet certain criteria in terms of how much other income you have. Check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/carers-allowance to find out more.
Talk and discuss as a family
If your children still live at home and they’re earning, they can contribute to household bills. If they’re too young, they could help with cleaning, laundry or cooking for family to share the load.
You could also talk to your parents about your own financial situation along with theirs, and agree a way forward with different costs if they can afford to help in this way.
For me and my family, it was important to discuss setting up a power of attorney. This would allow us to act on our parent’s behalf if they became physically or mentally unable to do so themselves.
We were advised that is it important to discuss this and register at a time when parents have the mental capacity to make important decisions, in case they become ill in the future and are unable to do so.
Seek professional financial advice
A financial planner/advisor can work with you to review your finances. If your caring responsibilities have increased and you’re considering reducing your working hours, they can help assess whether you can afford to without derailing your own financial plans. They can also work with the whole family and steer a productive discussion to establish a way forward that is agreeable with everyone.
For me, this was necessary and became a reality when I changed my working hours and scope of work due to caring responsibilities. I did this the first time while providing end-of-life-care for Dad. The second time was six months after I returned to work from maternity leave when my son was just one-and-a-half-years-old. On both occasions, this made all the difference to my physical, mental, emotional, and professional well-being.
Continue being kind to yourself
As busy working professionals and carers, of the Sandwich Generation, we’re driven by love to do it all. However, sometimes we need help and that’s okay.
As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. And we mustn’t ever feel guilty to make time to care for ourselves.
Physically, this could be going for a walk, doing exercise or enjoying a nutritious and delicious meal.
Mentally, it could be doing more of something or less of everything. It all depends on whether you need less distraction or more stimulation to clear your mind.
For me, it’s napping or watching a crime documentary. Wallowing in a nice hot shower or taking a stroll. Sitting in a coffee shop, in the sunshine, people watching or going for a pamper session for my hair or nails.
Emotionally, I spend time with loved ones, like-minded people, and pursue work I’m passionate about.
If you’d like to work with me to explore this further and see how I can help you, let’s chat today.
