The Sandwich Generation: A Growing Reality in Canadian Society

Updated: February 2025

Read Time: 9 minutes

The term “Sandwich Generation” has evolved from metaphor to reality for millions of Canadian families, painting a vivid picture of adults caught between the responsibilities of caring for aging parents while supporting their own children. Recent Statistics Canada data reveals a striking reality: approximately 2.5 million Canadians, representing about 28% of the population aged 35 to 64, find themselves in this challenging position. According to the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence’s 2024 National Survey, this number continues to grow, with one in four Canadians now serving as caregivers—more than eight million people across the country.

The face of caregiving in Canada has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, shaped by increasing life expectancy, changing family structures, and economic pressures. To understand this evolution, we need to look at the distinct ways the sandwich generation manifests in Canadian society.

TRADITIONAL SANDWICH GENERATION

The traditional sandwich generation typically includes adults in their forties and early fifties who find themselves at the epicenter of family care. These individuals often hold demanding careers while managing the needs of teenage or young adult children and aging parents who may live nearby or even in the same household. Statistics Canada reports that women in this group spend an average of 25 hours per week on caregiving duties while maintaining full-time employment—a testament to the extraordinary demands placed on these caregivers.

Their story is often one of constant juggling and careful time management. The CCCE’s research shows that these caregivers typically work an additional 30 hours of unpaid care per week, essentially maintaining two full-time jobs while being paid for only one. The financial impact is significant, with 22% of caregivers spending an additional $1,000 monthly from their own resources to provide care.

CLUB SANDWICH GENERATION

The club sandwich generation represents an even more complex caregiving structure, particularly prevalent in Canadian multicultural communities where multigenerational living is common. These caregivers may be older adults in their fifties and sixties who support aging parents, adult children, and grandchildren. Alternatively, they might be younger adults in their thirties and forties juggling the needs of young children, aging parents, and elderly grandparents.

Recent studies indicate that approximately 15% of Canadian caregivers fall into this category, with the highest concentrations in British Columbia and Ontario. In major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, where housing costs have skyrocketed, approximately 35% of young adults between 20 and 34 still live with their parents, adding another layer of complexity to the club sandwich dynamic.

OPEN FACED SANDWICH GENERATION

The open-faced sandwich generation encompasses those involved in elder care without having children of their own. This growing demographic represents about a quarter of Canadian caregivers, with numbers expected to rise as more Canadians choose to have fewer children or remain childless. These caregivers often face unique challenges, as their caregiving role may be less recognized by employers and support systems.

The Changing Landscape of Care

It is tough being a sandwich.  The mental and physical stress of constant care for people on both ends of the age spectrum can leave caregivers out in the cold when it comes to their own self-care.  When self-care isn’t implemented, burn out ensues and everyone suffers.  Among depression, caregiver burnout and isolation, people in the sandwich generation also experience difficulty finding time to attend to their other life roles, such as a spouse, or a parent; trouble managing work and self-care; and just feeling that pull in multiple directions can leave one feeling stretched.

The reality of sandwich generation caregiving in Canada is shaped by several demographic trends. By 2030, seniors will make up nearly 23% of Canada’s population, with the highest concentrations in the Atlantic provinces. This aging population, combined with longer life expectancy and later retirement ages, creates additional pressure on family caregivers.

Financial implications are particularly stark. The average sandwich generation caregiver spends $3,300 annually on out-of-pocket caregiving expenses, according to the CCCE. In provinces where healthcare coverage for seniors is more limited, these costs can climb even higher. Meanwhile, many are also supporting adult children through university education, where tuition costs have increased by an average of 3.7% annually over the past decade.

Some members of the sandwich generation may be ready for retirement from their own career, and are wondering how to care for parents and enjoy their own retirement.  Or they want to ensure that they have enough finances set aside so as not to become a “burden” to their children.  Maybe they want to retire, but still have to financially support elderly parents, and now there’s some grandchildren they want to spoil.

Supporting Canada’s Caregivers

In response to these mounting challenges, February 2025 marked a significant milestone with the release of the National Caregiving Strategy by the CCCE. This comprehensive framework calls for fundamental changes in how we support caregivers, including converting the Canada Caregiver Credit to a refundable credit of $1,250 annually and reforming the Canada Pension Plan to recognize caregiving years in retirement calculations.

Provincial support systems have also evolved to meet these needs. In Quebec, for example, caregivers can access up to $1,250 annually through the Independent Living Tax Credit. Community organizations like Carers Canada and the Family Caregivers of British Columbia offer crucial resources and advocacy services.

As Canada’s demographic landscape continues to evolve, supporting the sandwich generation becomes increasingly vital for our society’s well-being. Through comprehensive policy reform, increased financial support, and greater recognition of caregiving’s value, we can work toward a future where Canadian caregivers feel supported rather than squeezed in their essential role.

Practical Strategies for Sandwich Generation Caregivers

For those feeling overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, there are several practical approaches that can provide much-needed relief:

Building Your Support Network

The power of shared experience should never be underestimated. Peer support groups throughout Canada offer sandwich generation caregivers a place to connect with others who genuinely understand their challenges. Organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Canada host regular support groups both in-person and online, where caregivers can exchange practical advice and emotional support in a safe environment. Many caregivers report that these connections reduce their sense of isolation and provide valuable insights into navigating complex care situations.

Hiring Caregivers and Delegating Tasks

Many sandwich generation caregivers attempt to handle everything themselves, often to the detriment of their own well-being. Hiring professional caregivers—even on a part-time basis—can significantly reduce the daily pressure and create essential space for self-care and other responsibilities.

Professional caregiving services across Canada offer flexible options that can free up valuable time for sandwich generation caregivers:

Companion care provides social interaction and emotional support for seniors, while also helping with everyday tasks. Companions can accompany seniors to social activities, assist with hobbies, engage in meaningful conversation, and provide the reassurance of having someone present. This allows family caregivers to focus on work or other responsibilities knowing their loved one isn’t alone.

No matter what type of ‘sandwich’ you are, self-care is critical.
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Appointment assistance can relieve the burden of coordinating and attending frequent medical visits. Professional caregivers can drive seniors to doctor appointments, take notes during consultations, pick up prescriptions, and ensure medical instructions are understood and followed.

Practical support with errands and household tasks often consumes a significant portion of a sandwich caregiver’s time. Delegating grocery shopping, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and laundry can free up several hours each week that can be redirected to family time, self-care, or professional obligations.

Respite care offers temporary relief—ranging from a few hours to several days—allowing family caregivers to attend to personal needs, take vacations, or simply rest. Many Canadian hospice organizations and community care agencies offer these services on sliding fee scales.

For those concerned about costs, it’s worth investigating provincial programs that may offer subsidized care options. In Ontario, for example, the Home and Community Care Support Services program can help arrange professional care based on assessed needs. Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Canada provides funding for home care services for eligible veterans and their families.

Embracing Technology Solutions

Innovative technology is creating new possibilities for caregiving support. Medication reminder apps, remote monitoring systems, and telehealth services can enhance care while reducing some of the daily stresses. Many Canadian healthcare providers now offer virtual appointments, allowing caregivers to reduce travel time while ensuring loved ones receive proper medical attention.

Practicing Sustainable Self-Care

Perhaps most importantly, sandwich generation caregivers must recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for sustainable caregiving. This means setting realistic boundaries, identifying priorities, and making time for activities that restore mental and physical energy. Some caregivers find it helpful to schedule regular “non-negotiable” time for themselves, whether it’s a weekly walk, coffee with friends, or simply quiet time to read or rest.

By combining these approaches with the policy supports being developed at provincial and federal levels, sandwich generation caregivers can begin to create more balanced and sustainable care arrangements. Seeking help is not a sign of failure, but rather a wise strategy for ensuring you can continue to provide care for those who depend on you while maintaining your own well-being.

No matter what type of ‘sandwich’ you are, self-care is critical. Here’s a free resource for you! We hope it helps!