Caught in the Middle: The Unseen Burden of Australia’s Sandwich Generation
By Luisa Capezio, Aged Care Adviser.
In my work supporting families through the aged care process, I have witnessed a growing and deeply personal challenge. Adult children who are often in their forties to sixties are navigating the complexities of placing their parents into aged care while simultaneously raising children or supporting adult children still living at home.
These conversations have revealed a demographic under immense pressure: the sandwich generation.
This article is written for them and because of them.
Who Are the Sandwich Generation?
The term “sandwich generation” was first coined in 1981 to describe middle-aged women squeezed between the needs of their children and elderly parents. Today, the definition has broadened significantly. Research from the Australian Seniors Series and the Violet Initiative shows that this group now includes Australians from their early thirties to late sixties, with women disproportionately affected.
According to the Sandwich Generation Report 2025, caregivers spend an average of 15 hours per week caring for ageing parents and another 15 hours for children. This leaves less than 10 hours for personal care. Nearly half of respondents say they frequently or always prioritise caregiving over their own needs.
“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” I often remind clients. “But many of you are trying to do just that—giving everything to your parents and children, while leaving nothing for yourselves.”
The Consequences of Dual Caregiving
The toll of dual caregiving is profound. Emotional support, transportation, and companionship are the most common forms of care provided to ageing parents, while children and grandchildren receive emotional, financial, and logistical support. The result is a generation stretched thin—physically, mentally, and financially.
The Violet Initiative’s 2025 Care Index estimates that 2.2 million Australians will become unpaid carers by 2030. Among those already in this role, 73 percent work full-time, and 53 percent have had to choose between their careers and caregiving. The strain is not just personal—it is structural.
“This is not just about managing time,” I explain. “It is about managing identity. You are a parent, a child, a professional, and a carer—all at once. And that is a heavy load.”
Multigenerational Living and Its Impacts
Multigenerational households are becoming more common, driven by economic pressures, longer lifespans, and cultural expectations. While some families describe this arrangement as a “blessing,” others struggle with the logistical and emotional complexities. Regional families face additional challenges, including travel for medical care and limited access to support services.
Architects report increased demand for intergenerational housing, and programs like Staying in Place are helping older Australians remain in their homes with support. However, the reality is often more complicated.
“Many of my clients are trying to retrofit their homes to accommodate elderly parents,” I explain. “They are juggling renovations, medical needs, and family dynamics—all while working full-time.”
The Financial Strain
The financial burden is immense. Sandwich carers contribute an average of $1,500 per month to support ageing parents, and over 80 percent continue to support younger generations financially. Nearly half of respondents find supporting both generations “very” or “extremely” challenging.
To cope, many reduce personal expenses and optimise household budgets—often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Yet only 23 percent have accessed financial support programs, and just 25 percent of those found the support sufficient. Barriers include lack of awareness, complex application processes, and ineligibility due to income thresholds.
“Financial stress is the silent weight,” I tell clients. “It creeps in slowly, and before you know it, you are sacrificing your own retirement to fund two generations.”
Workplace and Career Impacts
Caregiving responsibilities are affecting careers. More than half of sandwich carers report increased stress at work, and 42 percent experience burnout. Nearly 40 percent use more personal leave, and 53 percent feel only partially supported by their employers.
Career progression is also hindered. Over 60 percent say caregiving has impacted their financial independence or career trajectory. Women are particularly affected, with 64 percent reporting they carry a heavier caregiving load and 61 percent struggling to balance personal life with caregiving.
“Many women I speak to feel they are failing at everything,” I say. “They are doing their best, but the system is not built to support them. Flexible work arrangements are not a luxury—they are a necessity.”
Support for Carers
Support exists, but it is not always accessible. Carers Australia, Carers ACT, and other state-based organisations offer carer support groups and resources. However, regional carers often face isolation and logistical barriers.
Programs like My Aged Care provide cleaning, medical visits, and home support, but navigating the system can be daunting. Legal complexities, cultural barriers, and lack of awareness further complicate access.
“Too often, carers do not know what help is available,” I explain. “They are so busy surviving day to day that they do not have time to research support options.”
Self-Care Is Not Selfish
Burnout is widespread. Ninety percent of sandwich carers report symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and physical fatigue. Yet only one-third engage in self-care strategies like exercise, seeking support, or taking breaks.
Sleep, in particular, is critical. Research from QUT’s Centre for Behavioural Economics shows that sleep deprivation among women in caregiving roles leads to poor health behaviours and financial neglect. The long-term consequences are profound.
“Self-care is not indulgent,” I tell clients. “It is essential. If you collapse, the whole system around you collapses too.”
Sandwich Generation Checklist
This checklist is designed to support those caring for ageing parents while raising children often referred to as the sandwich generation. It draws on practical insights from aged care, legal planning and financial advice to help you manage responsibilities with clarity and confidence.
1. Map Your Support Network and Identify the Gaps
- List who is currently helping you—family, friends, neighbours, professionals.
- Identify what tasks are falling solely on you.
- Highlight areas where support is missing or could be strengthened.
Tip: A simple table or weekly planner can help visualise where your time and energy are going.
2. Prioritise Self-Care
- Schedule regular breaks and downtime.
- Maintain healthy sleep, nutrition and exercise habits.
- Recognise that self-care is essential—not optional.
Caring for others starts with caring for yourself.
3. Understand the Aged Care System
- Explore eligibility for government programs such as Support at Home or private home services.
- Arrange an Aged Care Assessment (ACAT) through My Aged Care.
- Investigate carer payments, aged care subsidies and tax offsets.
Early planning avoids crisis decisions and ensures better outcomes.
4. Engage Professional Support
- Speak with an aged care adviser to create a personalised care plan for your parents and understand the costs.
- Discuss aged care options with your parents before urgent decisions are needed.
- Ensure legal documents are in place: wills, powers of attorney, advance care plans.
- Consult a financial adviser to manage household budgets and long-term planning.
- Engage legal professionals for estate planning.
- Consider aged care placement consultants for facility selection and financial structuring.
Running a household while caring for parents can be financially and emotionally demanding—professional advice helps lighten the load.
5. Build a Broader Support Network
- Join carer support groups—online or in person.
- Delegate tasks to siblings or extended family.
- Accept help when offered and ask for it when needed.
You do not have to do this alone.
How Financial Advisers who specialise in aged care can help
Financial advisers play a crucial role in supporting the sandwich generation. From budgeting and cash flow management for running the family to estate planning and aged care navigation, advisers can help families make informed decisions.
Advisers can also assist with:
- Structuring finances to maximise government support.
- Planning for retirement while managing caregiving costs.
- Facilitating conversations between generations about care and legacy.
“Financial advice is not just about numbers,” I say. “It is about clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. When you are caught in the middle, a good adviser can help you find your way forward.”
References
- Australian Seniors Series: Sandwich Generation Report 2025
- ABC News: Meet the Sandwich Generation
- ABC News Live Blog: The Care Squeeze
- Violet Initiative: 2025 Care Index