So-called “sandwich carers” are increasingly unable to juggle the pressures of looking after loved-ones with work, according to new research.
And a leading care sector figure, former South Tyneside GP and public health consultant Dr Jackie Gray – who founded the Carents Room organisation to support those with caring responsibilities – has called for “more care for the carers” as they balance growing demands on their time.
This comes as research from a team at University College London has highlighted that society “needs to recognise and support the unique challenges faced by sandwich carers”, especially in the workplace. The term refers to those who are parents who look after children, while also being unpaid carers for their own parents.
The research has found “significant” mental and physical health impacts on this group – especially compared to those who do not have the same pressures.
The researchers said they aimed to address a gap in knowledge around the impacts on health over time. Lead author Dr Baowen Xue said the findings highlight “the need for society to recognise and support the unique challenges faced by sandwich carers” and described respite care and workplace flexibility as “crucial”.
Dr Xue said: “Our study highlights the significant mental and physical health challenges faced by sandwich carers. These individuals, who balance the demands of caring for both their children and ageing parents, often experience a decline in their well-being.
“It’s crucial that we recognise and support the unique needs of this growing group to ensure their health and resilience. The study underscores the need for society to recognise and support the unique challenges faced by sandwich carers.
“Providing targeted support and resources, such as access to respite care and workplace flexibility, is crucial to help maintain their health and wellbeing, particularly for those offering intensive care.”
Dr Gray told ChronicleLive the research echoed what users of the Carents Room find every day. She said: “We think this affects around 2m people and with our ageing society these numbers are going to grow and grow.
“What we are finding is that while we have already been aware of the impact on [carer’s] health, more and more we are seeing, more than half report problems juggling work with care responsibilities. A lot of our carers say they are struggling to work – perhaps dropping their hours or walking away from work.
“The research shows each year almost half a million unpaid carers leave the workplace. That has a knock-on impact. These can be people in senior roles at the peak of their careers and there’s a real economic impact. It’s significant and there’s a need for more support.”
Dr Gray said reference to improved respite care was one thing, but that there needed to be much better provision across the board. She added: “Caring is something that can be satisfying, but it can also be heart-breaking. And there’s not psychological support there.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The Government recognises the immense contribution of carers, including sandwich carers, who selflessly dedicate their time to supporting others.
“We want to ensure families receive the support they need, which is why we are increasing the carer’s allowance earnings threshold by over £2,000-a-year – the biggest rise since it was introduced in 1976, meaning that carers can earn up to £10,000-a-year whilst still retaining their carer’s allowance.
“We have also just announced investment of £711 million into social care, alongside long-term reform of the sector through the independent Casey Commission.”
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