Respite care needed for sandwich carers

What is respite care?

The BBC reported that overstretched ‘sandwich carers’ are caring for their children as well as their elderly loved ones leading them to need emotional support themselves. Being a full-time carer can be very demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. In order to give the carer support, respite care is an alternative option. Respite care provides a carer relief from their caring duties. We provide carers and nurses to take over care duties and allow you to manage your own needs. Preventing you from becoming exhausted and rundown.

Sandwich carers

In many cases, primary carers are not just caring for one person, they are managing the care for their whole family. Sandwich carers are individuals who are responsible for the care of their children as well as a loved one needing care. These ‘sandwich carers’ make up approximately 2% of the United Kingdom population. Due to a combination of longer life expectancy and women tending to have children in later life, they are a growing group in our aging population. Performing this care can leave the caretaker feeling undervalued, exhausted, time-poor and stressed. New figures have shown that the sandwich carers are more likely to report symptoms of mental ill-health and as a result. Their ability to work is strained, causing stress.

Sandwich carer concerns 

Sandwich carers often find themselves becoming overstretched. They are aiming to provide adequate care for their children as well as the loved ones they are caring for. The carers are not only time-poor but have also reported that they are financial “just about getting by”.

Carers are at risk of becoming isolated, running out of money and being constantly under pressure. Having to juggle their responsibilities of care, work and relationships takes its toll. There are a “huge amount of people” who are sandwich carers. Many of them feel that the huge and unrelenting responsibility they undertake goes without recognition. Therefore, feeling as though their life is getting narrower. They are unable to keep in contact with other relatives and friends leads to further feelings of isolation.

A portion of sandwich carers undertakes the care of their loved ones as they feel that there is a shortage of reliable carers. This creates difficulties when there are interruptions and gaps in staff available.

Chief executive of Carers UK Charity expressed that sandwich caring is a “growing problem”. Carers UK estimates that around two million people have left their job as a result of providing care for their children and loved ones. Subsequently, resulting in consequences for their finances and careers.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

Many people don’t see themselves as carers when they are providing care to a member of their family or friends. On average, it takes them two years to acknowledge their role as a carer.

At Cavendish Homecare, we aim to alleviate a portion of the pressure with our respite care or take a look at our live-in care options.

We provide trained registered nurses and carers to give the carer a temporary break from the caring responsibilities you may have undertaken.

We understand that handing over the care of your loved one is not a decision to be made lightly. That is why we will create a bespoke respite care package to suit your loved one’s needs.

If you would like to enquire about a respite care package, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com