Almost eight in 10 employees caring for both elderly parents and dependent children say they are struggling to cope with the demands of work and family life, with many warning that their mental health, income and careers are suffering.
That’s according to research by home lifts manufacturer Stiltz, which commissioned a survey of 1,000 adults aged 25 to 65 and found that 78 percent of those juggling care for both older and younger relatives felt overwhelmed.
Respondents described the strain of caring for two generations while trying to maintain employment, with many reporting burnout, loss of identity and worsening mental health. The findings underline the increasing pressure on the so-called “sandwich generation” as more people delay retirement while also supporting ageing parents.
Burnout and loss of identity
Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed said they had experienced burnout and 65 percent said they had lost their sense of identity outside work and caring. More than half (56 percent) felt there was not enough support available to help them manage their responsibilities, and one in three (33 percent) said they had reduced their working hours as a result.
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Stiltz chief executive Mike Lord said the research showed how easily the scale of unpaid care could be overlooked.
“Most people don’t realise how much sandwich carers are actually doing day-to-day,” he said. “These are people who are helping both their parents and children get dressed in the morning, then rushing to do the school run, then coordinating doctor’s appointments, then doing the weekly shop for the household.
The demands never stop, and they vary from day to day. Understanding how much they’re managing is the first step towards offering them the support they desperately need.”
Impact on wellbeing and work
Thirty-nine percent of respondents said their mental health had worsened since becoming carers and one in three (33 percent) felt they should seek professional help for stress, anxiety or depression linked to their responsibilities.
The study also found that 58 percent felt lonelier since taking on caring duties and three-quarters (75 percent) said they felt guilty about taking time for themselves.
Lord said the emotional and professional sacrifices many carers made were significant.
“Being a sandwich carer can mean putting your life on hold,” he said. “So many people told us they’ve lost time for the things they love; they feel disconnected from their friends; or they’ve had to cut back at work. It’s a huge sacrifice that really deserves wider recognition and support.”
What carers say would help
Asked what would make the biggest difference, 24 percent of respondents said greater workplace flexibility would help them manage their responsibilities. A third (34 percent) wanted more financial support, 14 percent said better mental health provision and 12 percent called for wider access to respite care.
Lord said the findings should prompt both employers and policymakers to act.
“Our survey shows that more financial support, workplace flexibility and access to respite care could make a real difference in the lives of sandwich carers,” he said. “These are kindhearted family members who are going above and beyond to make sure their loved ones are cared for, yet there are very few measures in place to care for them.
“We hope this research sparks greater awareness and encourages more support for these vital yet often overlooked members of our communities.”
The research was carried out in September 2025 through survey platform Pollfish and included 1,000 UK respondents aged 25 to 65 who care for both dependent children and older relatives.
