The Sandwich Generation: Survey Reveals the Financial and Career Costs of Caregiving

If you’re between 30 and 60 years old, chances are you know someone juggling daycare drop-offs, doctor’s appointments, tuition bills, and assisted living costs.

They’re part of the “Sandwich Generation” – the 1 in 5 Americans aged 30–60 tasked with balancing the care of both their children and aging parents.

So, what does daily life really look like for those in this generation?

To find out, we are taking a look at a nationwide survey* of 2,000 American caregivers aged 30–60, including those juggling both childcare and eldercare. The results suggest that many dual caregivers face significant yet overlooked challenges, like financial pressures, career trade-offs, and emotional demands.

To see the full infographic, click here.

• 3 in 4 Sandwich Generation survey respondents (75%) say caregiving responsibilities have increased over the last year.
• 62% feel financially stressed due to caregiving.
• Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) spend at least a quarter of their monthly income on caregiving.
• Almost half (49%) say caregiving has impacted their ability to advance in their career.
• More than 1 in 4 (27%) have gone into debt due to caregiving expenses, with an average debt of $5,759.

The Sandwich Generation: Supporting Parents & Children

According to the survey, the time it takes to care for aging parents and children simultaneously is significant, consuming on average the equivalent of an entire day each week (24 hours). This may be why more than 1 in 3 Sandwich Generation survey respondents (38%) live in the same household as a parent or grandparent in need of care.

On top of these caregiving duties, over three-quarters of Sandwich Generation survey respondents (76%) also juggle full-time jobs. Among those employed, 40% work in-person, 20% work remotely, and another 40% have hybrid roles.

At home, responsibilities continue to grow. In fact, 3 in 4 Sandwich Generation survey respondents (75%) report an increase in their duties over the past year. Among caregivers earning under $50,000 annually, 63% say their responsibilities have increased, compared to 55% of higher earners (earning over $50,000 annually).

Financial Cost of Caregiving

Despite working full-time, nearly 4 in 10 of respondents caring for their parents and children (39%) live paycheck to paycheck, largely due to the high cost of caregiving. More than 1 in 4 (28%) spend at least $1,000 per month on care, while nearly 1 in 4 (24%) allocate a quarter or more of their income to supporting both their children and aging parents.

The financial strain extends beyond monthly expenses. Nearly half (48%) have reduced retirement savings, and 1 in 10 have stopped contributing to their retirement funds altogether.

Many Sandwich Generation survey respondents are also tapping into other financial resources, with 57% saying they have dipped into savings. Some are relying on credit to keep up with caregiving costs, with 27% having taken on over $5,000 in average debt and 46% opting to delay paying off debt.

With 62% admitting to feeling financially stressed, some caregivers are looking for ways to bridge the gap. Notably, 40% say they’ve turned to gig work and freelancing for additional income despite the time commitment.

Plasma-made therapies help save lives, but they depend entirely on the generosity of people who volunteer to donate their plasma. Plasma donation has become a practical – and emotionally rewarding – option for caregivers looking for flexible ways to offset caregiving expenses. Indeed, 1 in 10 Sandwich Generation survey respondents currently donate plasma as part of their financial strategy, while nearly 1 in 3 (32%) have considered it. Since plasma centers compensate donors for their time and commitment and adhere to strict safety and eligibility requirements, it has become a safe, viable option for those balancing caregiving costs and work responsibilities.

Career Cost of Caregiving

Caregiving is affecting career paths too. Nearly 2 in 3 Sandwich Generation survey respondents (65%) say their jobs have taken a hit, with many forced to make adjustments to keep up with both work and family demands. More than 6 in 10 (62%) have had to reduce their hours, 20% have taken a leave of absence, and 10% have switched jobs in search of more flexibility.

For some, the trade-offs are even steeper. Over 1 in 4 (27%) have had to quit their jobs entirely, and 49% say caregiving has hurt their ability to advance in their careers. On top of that, 1 in 3 (37%) worry about job security, while 22% feel their employer simply isn’t supportive of their situation.

Caregiving: Mental & Emotional Toll

Caring for both parents and children can take a real toll – not just physically and financially but emotionally too. Many Sandwich Generation caregivers find themselves stretched thin, with more than 2 in 3 (69%) saying they feel burned out. Half report experiencing stress weekly, and over a third (37%) say they feel it daily.

It’s no surprise that 40% have sought out therapy or counseling as a source of support and resilience.

Despite these efforts, many of these caregivers can feel alone on this journey. Over one-third (38%) report having no outside help, and 1 in 3 (33%) say they simply don’t have enough support. Nearly 60% believe that society could do more to recognize and help those caring for loved ones across generations.

As these results reveal, the resulting financial, professional, and emotional burden often goes unnoticed.

Stronger support starts with greater recognition. From rising childcare and eldercare costs to interrupted careers, caregiving profoundly reshapes lives. Stable support systems and flexible earning opportunities can help these caregivers advance their careers, manage stress, and maintain financial stability while balancing family needs.

In February 2025, a nationwide survey of 2,036 respondents was conducted by a third-party, independent research firm on behalf of BioLife. Respondents were asked about their experiences providing care for children, aging parents, or both. Among respondents, 53.3% were female, 45.9% were male, and .8% were non-binary. The average age of respondents was 42. Income: Under $25,000 (12.2%); $25,000–$49,999 (11.4%); $50,000–$74,999 (21.2%); $75,000–$99,999 (17.9%); $100,000–$149,999 (17.3%); $150,000 or over (12.3%). Marital status: Married (61.7%), single (19.3%), in a relationship/not married (8.1%), divorced (8.4%), separated (1.5%), widowed (1.1%).

Total respondents: 2,036

Margin of error: +/- 3%

Country: United States (USA)

Region: All Regions

Gender: All Genders

Age of respondents: 30-60

To see the full infographic, click here.