The Sandwich Generation

Have you ever heard the term: sandwich generation? It describes people caring for their ageing parents and their children, balancing two sets of needs, two stages of life, and two types of emotional labour. It's a term that describes someone like Shanelle, whose story we shared during our winter appeal.

Shanelle is the mother of a teenager and a toddler, and a carer for her own mum, who lives with dementia. After escaping domestic violence, Shanelle had nowhere safe to go. The four of them lived in one motel room for three months. With no kitchen and limited space, daily life was difficult. The uncertain future was a constant stress. It was during this time that Anglicare provided significant assistance, enabling Shanelle's family to move into a stable and supported home. This wasn't just physical space, but the peace to rebuild their lives, with three generations flourishing under one roof.

Shanelle's story is a reminder that while intergenerational households often form out of necessity — driven by limited aged care options or rising living costs — they can also offer something deeply valuable.

Research from the UNSW City Futures Research Centre shows more than one in five Australians live in multigenerational households, and this number continues to rise.

Living across generations has its challenges, but with the right support, these households can become places of transformation. Just ask Shanelle. Her teenager is now at TAFE, building new skills and a future. Her youngest is thriving in the stability of routine. And her mother is surrounded by people who know and love her. These homes can become hubs of mutual care and learning. Older generations pass down practical wisdom: how to stretch a grocery budget, cook a meal, or fix something with determination and elbow grease. In return, they gain daily support and companionship. Younger generations bring their own strengths: tech support (often with an eye-roll), energy and fresh ideas. For older adults, this eases loneliness. For young people, a multigenerational home can offer 'deep waters' amidst rising rates of anxiety and depression. How could you create space for intergenerational connection in your own life? What might you gain from connecting with both younger and older people?

We're so glad Shanelle and her family found the support they needed to begin again. At the same time, we know many families continue to face uncertainty, poverty and homelessness. Your donation can make a huge difference, raising vital funds that enable us to create safer, more stable homes where all generations can find shelter and support together. Would you consider a gift today to support a family like Shanelle's?-------