Caregiving
Nearly 1 in 3 family caregivers is also raising children, AARP report finds
About 17 million Americans care for both a child under 18 and an adult with a disability or complex condition, a new AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving report finds, and most of them also hold jobs.
Key facts
- AARP reported on September 15 on new research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, part of its Caregiving in the US 2025 series.
- An estimated 17 million Americans, 29% of all caregivers of adults, are in the sandwich generation, caring for a child under 18 and an adult with a disability or complex medical condition at the same time.
- These caregivers average 42 years old, compared with 55 among caregivers without children under 18.
What happened
AARP reported on September 15 on new research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, part of its Caregiving in the US 2025 series. An estimated 17 million Americans, 29% of all caregivers of adults, are in the sandwich generation, caring for a child under 18 and an adult with a disability or complex medical condition at the same time.
These caregivers average 42 years old, compared with 55 among caregivers without children under 18. Nearly half are 35 to 49, and nearly 70% are employed while providing care. An AARP Public Policy Institute director said they are juggling more hours and doing more complex care, including hands-on help like bathing, toileting and dressing.
What it means for families
If you are raising kids and helping a parent, you are not alone, and the strain is real. Planning ahead for a crisis, and knowing what help exists, can keep a single bad week from upending work and family.
For example: a parent working full time with two school-age children may also be the one who takes Mom to appointments. A written backup plan for who covers a sick day or a hospital call makes that load lighter.
What this means in New York: New York's county Offices for the Aging, and NY Connects, can point caregivers to respite and support programs.
Quick answers
How many caregivers are in the sandwich generation?
AARP reported on September 15 on new research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, part of its Caregiving in the US 2025 series. An estimated 17 million Americans, 29% of all caregivers of adults, are in the sandwich generation, caring for a child under 18 and an adult with a disability or complex medical condition at the same time.
What to do this week
- Write down one backup person for each regular caregiving task, such as rides, medications or check-in calls.
- Ask your employer whether you have paid family leave or flexible hours for caregiving.
- Contact your county Office for the Aging to ask about respite or caregiver support programs.
Sources
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