What is sandwich caring?
“Sandwich caring” means supporting elderly parents while also raising children, or helping to look after grandchildren, often while holding down a job. It’s a growing reality for adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Many carents find themselves pulled in multiple directions, especially when the usual routines fall away.
Why summer makes sandwich caring harder
Summer should be a time to unwind. But for sandwich carers, it often means more plates spinning, not fewer.
With schools closed, childcare demands spike. At the same time, elderly parents may need extra care due to the heat, routine changes or loneliness. It’s not uncommon to go from planning meals for kids to sorting prescriptions for parents, all before lunch.
Why your story matters
Carents is running a new UK-wide survey to understand how sandwich caring intensifies during the summer. The goal is simple: to listen, learn and lead change.
We want to hear how your caring load shifts in July and August. Whether you’re managing GP appointments, holiday clubs or emotional meltdowns (theirs or yours), your voice matters.
What the survey will do
By collecting real-world stories, this survey could:
- Raise awareness of summer care pressures
- Highlight the needs of the sandwich carers
- Help us to support sandwich carents better
Take the 2025 Sandwich Caring Survey
The survey takes just 5–7 minutes to complete. It’s open to anyone supporting elderly parents, with or without children in the mix.
Your answers are anonymous. And they could help Carents push for smarter, more seasonal support.
Summer stress isn’t just in your head
It’s not just about logistics. Summer often brings emotional strain too. Expectations can run high… fun, rest, family time, yet sandwich carers are often stuck patching gaps in care.
That’s why we want to normalise the conversation. Naming the load is the first step to lightening it.
Caring is caring...even in flip-flops
Whether you’re packing cool boxes or prepping care plans, your work counts. Let’s shine a light on it.
Take the survey. Share your truth. You could help make next summer that little bit easier for the next carent.
