How do I care for children and ageing parents?

As Australia’s population continues to age, more people are joining what’s been coined the ‘sandwich generation’—a group wedged between the needs of their kids and their older parents.

If it’s something you’re juggling at the moment, or want to prepare yourself for in the future, here is some general information and a few tips, so you don’t lose sight of your own goals along the way.

What is the sandwich generation?

The phrase sandwich generation refers to people who are effectively ‘sandwiched’ between supporting ageing parents and their children—physically, emotionally and financially¹.

Coupled with work commitments and saving for retirement, it can be a tricky balancing act, and it’s possible some may have to stay in the workforce longer to meet added financial obligations².

What triggered this scenario?

Australia’s population is ageing

Australians are living longer³. To put it into perspective, around 40 years ago, the number of people over age 85 was 80,000 and in another 40 years that number is projected to reach around two million⁴.

This means that more individuals are helping parents who are ill and need assistance with daily tasks, with projections that the total cost of aged care in Australia will increase to $290 billion by 2055⁵.

Children are leaving the nest later

Nearly one in four young adults age 20 to 34 continue to live at home, and of those who have moved out, more than half have returned home within two years⁶.

Reasons for this include the increased cost of living, housing affordability issues, growing education debt, travel aspirations early in life, as well as many young people getting married and having children later in life⁷.

What are the costs?

Feeling time poor and slightly out of pocket isn’t unusual for members of the sandwich generation.

Many may be helping elderly parents with odd jobs and aged care costs, while also supporting children with things like schooling and accommodation, and, if they’re a bit older, possibly the purchase of big-ticket items, such as a car or their first property.

In fact, estimates show baby boomer members of the sandwich generation are forking out $23 billion a year to assist elderly parents and adult children. And as far as time goes, they’re spending 109 hours helping their kids and 250 hours helping older relatives each year⁸.

How can I manage or prepare myself?

To live a modest lifestyle in retirement, you’ll need more than what the Age Pension can provide on its own, and more still if you want to live a comfortable lifestyle⁹. If you’re caring for children and parents, here are some tips, so you can balance their needs, as well as your own.

Look out for yourself and keep site of your future plans

• Create a budget and set financial boundaries
• Keep saving and maintain control of your debt
• Try to avoid dipping into your super savings
• If you need help managing financially, please call us on 02 9299 1500.
• Take time out for yourself and don’t lose track of your own goals.

Get your children involved and teach them good habits

• Start a savings fund early on—whether it be for education, a car or deposit for a property
• Teach your children how to save and be financially independent 
• Set limits and make sure they’re chipping in—financially, and domestically if they’re at home
• Reassess the situation together every now and then to see how things are working.

Communicate with your parents and don’t be afraid to seek assistance

• Share the load with other family members
• Find out if your parents are eligible for government benefits
• See what help and care assistance is available
• Communicate so you’re aware of their estate planning wishes
• Should they need full-time care, try to plan for this well in advance.

Taking care of others can be a wonderful thing, but don’t forget about your own needs along the way, and to take some time out every now and then. If you would like to discuss your situation, please call us on 02 9299 1500.

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