Dementia UK’s new podcast shares advice from specialist Admiral Nurses on how to look after yourself as a sandwich carer
6th June 2025 – Over 1.3 million people in the UK are sandwich carers – meaning they care for both their parent or elderly relative and a child1. With one in two of us affected by dementia in our lifetime2, it’s vital that sandwich carers understand the support that is there for them to help them through the challenges they may face while supporting anyone who is dependent on them.
The latest series of Dementia UK’s ‘My life with dementia’ podcast features an interview with Chris Saunders. In the episode, “Caring for Mum and Dad drove me to breaking point”, Chris shares the emotional impact of caring for both his parents who were living with dementia, juggling parenting his own son, and working full-time in the emergency services.
Podcast guest Chris Saunders said:“ I’m an only child and we have very little extended family, so my wife and I assumed a caring role without any real discussion. I was working full-time in emergency services, while my wife juggled two jobs of her own. We also had a six-year-old son. To say it was a big adjustment is an understatement.
“I had reached breaking point. I was so exhausted, emotionally and mentally, but the support we received from our Admiral Nurse changed our lives, I don’t know what we would have done without her.”
Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK said: “If you are caring for a parent or grandparent with dementia and looking after children too, it can be a stressful and socially isolating time.
“Juggling these dual caring responsibilities along with work, finances, the home and wider family life can be very challenging. You may prioritise the needs of others over your own which can take a toll on your overall health and wellbeing. It’s vital that carers take time for themselves.”
Tips for looking after yourself as a sandwich carer
- Reach out to family and friends – take full advantage of wider support networks, whether that be asking friends or family members if they can come by to help with the kids, chores, or simply to have a chat. At the same time, it can allow you to maintain relationships with the people close to you
- Find support services – research the support available for unpaid carers and people living with dementia. You may want to look into requesting a Carer’s Assessment from Social Services, as you may be entitled to respite care for the person with dementia, or other accommodations to help you in your caring role. You can also speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse for advice and support around dementia through Dementia UK’s free Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm)
- Take time for yourself – while it is easier said than done, it is important to take time for yourself as a carer wherever possible, as your needs often fall to the bottom of the list. That might include visiting friends or doing a hobby, it can also mean making sure you’re on top of health checks so you are mentally and physically well. It can be difficult to support someone else when you are not at your best
- Enjoy time with the person you care for – as the person’s dementia progresses, you may find that your caring role overtakes your relationship with them as a spouse, family member or friend. But while your relationship will change, it can still bring you both enjoyment. Rather than focusing only on the care you have to provide, try to find activities that you can still do together to strengthen your connection
- Talk to your employer – if you are a carer working a full or part time job, it can be helpful to speak with your employer about your caring responsibilities and to discuss flexible working options. Your workplace might be able to offer you flexibility and support with your current circumstances
Dementia UK’s new podcast, ‘My life with dementia’ is presented by charity ambassador and award-winning journalist and podcaster, Marianne Jones. The podcast brings together real-life stories of people impacted by dementia alongside practical advice from the charity’s Admiral Nurses.
For more first-person stories and advice from dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, subscribe to ‘My life with dementia’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to listen to new episodes as soon as they come out.
You can find out more about the podcast on the Dementia UK website: dementiauk.org/dementia-podcast/
If you need information or advice on being a sandwich carer visit https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer/what-is-a-sandwich-carer/. You can also contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline for further support on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org
