The Sandwich Generation

I know I have talked about this before, but it appears that since Covid more and more families are having to cope with supporting their loved ones at home.

This time it’s mainly due to there not being enough carers available to cover.  We know why that is: because so many are burnt out and underpaid. I would like to think that the rise in National Insurance may go some way to improving this, but I am not confident, and the question is when?

The National Picture

According to Age UK, there are 1.25 million ‘Sandwich Carers’, in the UK. These are people caring for an older relative as well as bringing up a family.

• 68% are women with between the ages of 20 to 60
• 73% provide under 10 hours of caring a week but 7% provide over 35 hours per week
• The eldest sandwich carers provide the longest hours – 29% of them providing over 20 hours a week
• 49% are providing over 35 hours a week are still in paid work.

The failings of the care system mean that more often than not, women are left to pick up the pieces. Many are at breaking point. How much longer can women carry the burden of our crumbling social care system? The delays and false promises need to end.

They need the professionals urgently

As we are all being hit with the rise in the cost of living, I implore those with the skills and expertise to return to the care industry in a private capacity.

I understand that you have financial commitments such at rent or mortgages and childcare costs. This often means that you may have to have support from Universal Credit. I also understand that this could be a problem if you become a self-employed carer. However, I can guarantee between 20 – 40 hours a week caring for my clients. You can work times to fit in with your family and you get paid weekly.

Live-in Care wages: £740 – £980 per week

Overnight Care wages: £120 – £160 per 24 hours

Daily Care wages: £15.50 p/h weekdays – £17.50 p/h weekends

Travel allowance: 45p per mile

For more information about working for Bunbury Care Agency, please see here.