New Survey Finds 67% of Family Caregivers at Mental Limit While Balancing Aging Parents and Children

Findings reveal the guilt, stress and difficult trade-offs facing family caregivers, with practical guidance to help ease the burden.

BRYN MAWR, PA, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- For millions of Americans, becoming a caregiver happens suddenly — bringing emotional and practical challenges they may not expect. A new survey from Talker Research, conducted on behalf of Visiting Angels, reveals that 67% of family caregivers say they are currently at their mental limit, highlighting the emotional toll of balancing an aging loved one with work, family and personal well-being.

The findings offer a closer look at the challenges facing the “sandwich generation” — adults caring for aging parents while raising children of their own. More than half of adults in their 40s are part of this group, often leaving them feeling divided between the people who depend on them most.

Guilt is another significant part of the caregiving experience. Nearly half of caregivers say they feel guilty spending time with their children because they feel they should be with their aging loved one. Caregiving can also mean difficult trade-offs, including less time for partners, friends, self-care and other responsibilities.

“Nearly half of the caregivers feel guilty spending time with their kids because they feel they should be with their aging loved one. Since caregiving is usually a sudden need, families are rarely prepared for the trade-offs, often sacrificing their own mental health and personal time,” said Scott Parrish, President of Visiting Angels.

Parrish recommends that families start preparing before a caregiving crisis occurs by talking openly about a loved one’s wishes and identifying resources that can support the entire family.

“You don't have to figure it all out alone, and perfection isn't the goal. Start the conversation early about your loved one's wishes and tap into resources like our caregiver survey findings to support the whole family,” Parrish said.

For more information visit VisitingAngels.com/sandwich-generation-survey.

Mike Toper
Konnect Agency
mtoper@konnectagency.com
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