A recent study from UCL researchers reveals that individuals who provide care for both their children and elderly family members, commonly referred to as ‘sandwich carers,’ experience a decline in their mental and physical health over time.
The research, published in Public Health, analyzed data from approximately 2,000 sandwich carers and an equal number of non-sandwich carers drawn from the UK Household Longitudinal Study conducted between 2009 and 2020.
Sandwich carers manage the dual responsibilities of looking after aging parents or older relatives while also raising dependent children who are under 16 years of age. This demographic is on the rise as life expectancies increase and women tend to have children later in life.
In the UK, around 1.3 million individuals fit the definition of sandwich carers.
To address this growing concern, researchers aimed to fill the knowledge gap regarding the impact of sandwich caring on mental and physical health over time.
They monitored the health of both groups for nine years using questionnaires, focusing on the time frames before, during, and after becoming a sandwich carer. Through statistical models, they analyzed health changes and made comparisons between the two groups.
The average age of the studied sandwich carers was 36.8 years, as those aged 30-49 are the most likely to take on these caregiving roles.
The study examined the health transitions occurring when someone becomes a sandwich carer, looking to see if these changes differed between the two groups. They also investigated if the number of hours spent on caregiving and an individual’s gender influenced the health outcomes.
Mental health was evaluated using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores, which aggregate participants’ answers about their mental well-being, including issues like difficulty concentrating, sleeplessness, or feelings of stress.
On the other hand, a Physical Component Summary (PCS) provided scores reflecting physical health aspects, covering areas such as overall health, mobility, body pain, and restrictions in daily activities due to health problems.
Findings indicated that parents who took on the role of sandwich carers experienced a notable decline in mental health, particularly those devoting over 20 hours each week to caregiving when compared to non-sandwich carers.
This deterioration in mental health was found to last for several years.
Moreover, those who provided intensive care (more than 20 hours per week) also showed a decline in their physical health during this period.
Lead author Dr. Baowen Xue from UCL Epidemiology & Health Care commented: “Our findings underline the serious mental and physical health challenges encountered by sandwich carers. These individuals, who balance the needs of their children and elderly parents, frequently suffer a decline in well-being. It is essential that we acknowledge and support the specific requirements of this expanding group to enhance their health and resilience.”
In light of their discoveries, the researchers are advocating for improved support for those in this situation.
Dr. Xue further emphasized, “This study stresses the importance of societal acknowledgment and assistance for the distinct hurdles faced by sandwich carers. Offering tailored support and resources, such as access to respite care and flexible working arrangements, is vital to help sustain their health and well-being, especially for those providing intensive care.”
This research received funding from the UK Economic and Social Research Council.
