As the Baby Boomer generation is set to enter their 80s in the next decade, more people will find themselves juggling the needs of both kids and aging parents.
Dubbed the ‘Sandwich Generation’, these multi-generational carers, most of whom are women, oftentimes feel stretched, overwhelmed and unsupported.
That’s according to insights from The Violet Initiative’s 2025 CARE Index, which found the Sandwich Generation to average 31.7 hours weekly on unpaid care, alongside existing responsibilities.
The Index also shows around 50 per cent experience significant psychological distress, with mental health issues significantly higher in this group than in the general population. Many carers report feeling under-prepared and emotionally strained when it comes to making surrogate decisions for loved ones.
Early warning signs
Considering that people often step into caring roles gradually, CEO of leading home care provider Care Connect Lynda Chalmers tells Women’s Agenda there are early signs of carer overwhelm that appear quietly and can be overlooked.
“One of the first things I notice is a sense of persistent tiredness that doesn’t lift, even with rest,” says Chalmers, adding that it can become” easy to normalise the signs” or “assume this is just what life feels like when you’re caring for others, rather than recognising it as a signal that your emotional reserves are being stretched.”
Another early sign is a shift in mood, as Chalmers says “patience may shorten, and small things can feel disproportionately frustrating or exhausting”.
“This isn’t a lack of care; it’s what happens when someone has been operating at full capacity for too long without enough time to replenish.”
Carers who feel overwhelmed may also quietly withdraw from their usual supports, Chalmers says, meaning it’s important to look out for people who may stop catching up with friends, dropping usual hobbies or not taking the time to do restorative activities.
“Guilt often creeps in too, the feeling that taking even a moment for themselves is somehow selfish, when it’s essential,” says Chalmers.
While these signs might feel small at first, they can add up over time until “one day the load is heavier than you realised,” she says.
“Caring for someone you love can make you overlook your own needs and overwhelm can settle in long before you feel ‘burnt out’. Recognising these early signals is a gentle first step toward protecting your wellbeing as you continue to care for others.”
Prevention and support
To prevent carer stress before a crisis hits, there are a number of practical steps people can take.
Chalmers says one of the most effective steps is to create “small pockets of personal time each day, even just a few minutes to breathe, stretch, or sit quietly in the sunshine with a cup of tea.”
“These small pauses help reset the nervous system and remind you that your wellbeing deserves attention.”
Open and honest conversations with loved ones, as well as nurturing a network of support is also key.
“This might mean accessing formalised care services early, involving family members in shared responsibilities, connecting with neighbours who can step in occasionally, or joining carer groups where you can speak openly with people who truly understand the pressures you face.”
For carers who are already at the stage of overwhelm, there are a number of meaningful support services to turn towards.
“Carers have more practical support available to them than they often realise, and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference,” says Chalmers.
“Many start by connecting with carer support services such as the Carer Gateway or My Aged Care, which can offer information, emotional support, respite options and guidance tailored to their situation. Community organisations, neighbourhood houses and local councils often provide programs, workshops or short-term assistance that can help lighten the load.”
Health professionals, such as GPs, nurses and home care providers are also a good first point or contact, alongside friends, family and trusted members of the community.
“Carers don’t have to do this alone, and support is often closer and more accessible than it seems,” says Chalmers.