Caring for ageing parents and children at the same time takes a ‘significant’ toll on health, a study has found.
Being a ‘sandwich carer’ with both older and younger dependents causes a decline in mental and physical well- being, according to research by University College London.
An estimated 1.3million people in the UK juggle the responsibilities of caring for older relatives while raising children under 16 years old, with numbers rising as people live longer.
Researchers analysed the health of 2,000 sandwich carers and 2,000 other adults from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020.
They tracked both groups over nine years during that time, using questionnaires focused on the periods before, during and after becoming a sandwich carer.
They then used statistical models to predict health changes and compared the two groups.
The researchers looked at how health changed during the transition into sandwich care and tested if these changes were different between the two groups.
They also examined whether the amount of caregiving hours and gender affected these health changes.
Being a ‘sandwich carer’ with both older and younger dependents causes a decline in mental and physical well- being, according to research by University College London (stock photo)
Researchers analysed the health of 2,000 sandwich carers and 2,000 other adults from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020 (stock photo)
The researchers looked at how health changed during the transition into sandwich care and tested if these changes were different between the two groups (stock photo)
Mental health was measured using a questionnaire which included questions such as whether the parents had recently had issues concentrating, sleeping or had been feeling under strain.
Meanwhile, a physical questionnaire covered various areas such as general health, mobility, body pain and limitations in everyday tasks due to physical problems.
The researchers found that parents who became sandwich carers experienced a significant decline in their mental health – especially those dedicating more than 20 hours per week to caregiving, which persisted for several years.
There was also a deterioration in their physical health during this transition compared with non-sandwich carers, according to the findings published in Public Health.
Dr Baowen Xue, lead author from UCL Epidemiology and Health Care, said that the 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’, she said.
Dr Xue added: ‘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 well-being, particularly for those offering intensive care.’