A new study reveals that individuals caring for both children and aging relatives experience significant declines in mental and physical well-being. The research highlights the growing issue of sandwich caring and calls for increased government support for these individuals.
Sandwich carers, responsible for both children and aging relatives, experience years of poor mental and physical health , according to scientists. This highlights the impact of increased life expectancy and later parenthood. The research fuels a growing discussion about governments' responsibilities to individuals providing long hours of unpaid care , often saving the state money at the expense of their own health and finances.
Those sandwich carers who provide 20 or more hours a week of care to older family members face the most significant decline in well-being, the findings reveal. 'It's crucial that we recognize and support the unique needs of this growing group to ensure their health and resilience,' said Baowen Xue, leader of the research and an expert in epidemiology and healthcare at University College London. 'Providing targeted support and resources, such as access to respite care and workplace flexibility, is crucial to help maintain their health and well-being, particularly for those offering intensive care,' she added. The study, published in the journal Public Health on Tuesday, utilized questionnaire data from a UK study tracking about 40,000 households between 2009 and 2020. It compared a group of just over 2,000 sandwich carers, with an average age of 37, with a similar number of parents living with a child under 16 but not caring for older people. Researchers examined levels of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, social activity, and carelessness. The mental health of sandwich carers, typically aged between 30 and 49, deteriorated more sharply than that of people who cared only for adults in previous UK research, scientists stated. This suggests the growing trend for adults to handle the burden of dual responsibilities takes a toll. The decline in mental health lasted for up to eight years, the study found
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