Are you a Sandwich Carer?

⏱️ 1 minute read

According to Age UK, there are 1.25 million ‘sandwich carers’ in the UK. Sandwich carers are people caring for an older relative as well as bringing up a family. Their ages range from 20s to 60s, but those aged 35-44 are the most likely to be carers with 35% being in this age group. 68% are women.

Over 20 hours of caring a week

73% of sandwich carers provide under 10 hours of caring a week, but 7% provide over 35 hours per week – that's 88,391 sandwich carers doing over 35 hours each week. The oldest sandwich carers (55-64) provide the longest hours with 29% of them providing over 20 hours of caring a week.

In total, 78% of sandwich carers are in paid work and 49% of those carers providing over 35 hours are still in paid work.

Depression and stress

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than a quarter of sandwich carers are suffering from depression or stress with many feeling ignored and undervalued.

One in three sandwich carers say that they are "just about getting by" financially.

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