Survey: Most Sandwich-Generation Caregivers Report Healing With Aging Parents but High Burnout and Need for More Support

A survey of 2,000 sandwich-generation parents found that 88 percent said caring for an aging parent had produced a life-changing reset in that relationship. The same poll showed 89 percent of the seniors agreed that being cared for by an adult child had healed their connection. Talker Research conducted the online survey between April 9 and April 20, 2026.

Comfort Keepers commissioned the study as part of its annual National Day of Joy initiative. Eighty-two percent of the seniors said being cared for by their child ranked among the most joy-filled parts of their lives. One senior described a quiet afternoon watering plants on the porch when both generations began humming an old song and laughed at forgotten lyrics.

Ninety-two percent of caregivers said the role brings both joy and emotional strain. Seventy-three percent said they would not choose to handle the responsibilities differently. Fifty-eight percent of caregivers said the work makes them feel purposeful, 56 percent said it makes them feel proud, and 48 percent said it makes them feel fulfilled.

At the same time, 79 percent described themselves as tired and burnt out. Fifty-four percent said they had missed or forgotten a doctor appointment in the past month because of parenting or caregiving duties. Eighty-seven percent also hold jobs outside the home.

Forty-two percent of respondents have moved closer to their aging parent. Forty percent have skipped travel plans, and 31 percent have given up hobbies to remain available. Fifty-nine percent said they have placed family presence ahead of career demands.

Eighty-seven percent described caring for an aging parent as one of the most satisfying and fulfilling roles in their lives. Sixty-nine percent said they need more support. Eighty-five percent said greater access to respite or in-home care would improve their own well-being.