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In spite of burnout and exhaustion, most Americans who are caring for an aging parent said it has healed their relationship with them.
That’s according to a recent survey of 2,000 sandwich generation parents who also care for an aging parent, in which most (88%) said that caregiving has given them a life-changing reset with their aging loved one.
As part of the survey, the seniors were also asked a few questions, and their responses proved that the reconciliation is mutual: 89% of seniors agreed that being cared for by their adult child has healed their connection.
The study was conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by Comfort Keepers as part of their annual National Day of Joy initiative to explore caregiving — its unique beauty, as well as its many challenges and stressors for the sandwich generation.
In the study, nearly all seniors (82%) said that being cared for by their child in their older years has truly been one of the most joy-filled parts of their entire lives.
One senior respondent aptly described the joy of bonding with their adult child in small, simple moments together, saying: “It wasn’t a grand moment, just a quiet afternoon that somehow felt golden. My child was helping me water the plants on the porch.
“At one point, they started humming a song I used to sing, and without thinking, I joined in. We both laughed when we forgot the words, just like we used to. In that simple, shared rhythm, it felt like time had folded in on itself, and for a moment, nothing had really changed except who was holding the watering can.”
But blended with the joy and beauty of caregiving for an aging parent, there’s also hardship. In the survey, almost all caregivers (92%) agreed: Caring for an aging loved one brings both joy and emotional strain.
Even still, the majority of respondents (73%) would not choose to do things differently when taking on caregiving responsibilities.
Demonstrating the complexity of being a parent and caregiving for an aging parent at the same time, sandwich generation respondents said caring for their aging loved one makes them feel purposeful (58%), proud (56%), and fulfilled (48%), even though most (79%) confessed they’re tired and burnt out.
As an example of this, an astounding majority of people polled (54%) said they’ve missed or forgotten about a doctor appointment in the last month because of their parenting or caregiving responsibilities.
Layered on top of this, most caregivers (87%) also juggle careers and work, adding even more to their loads.
But even while tired and exhausted, the study found that adult children are making meaningful sacrifices to show up for their aging parents.
Forty-two percent of respondents have moved closer to be near their senior loved one, many (40%) have missed out on travel, and 31% have even given up hobbies to be present for their loved one.
“Caregiving is often talked about through the lens of sacrifice, but these findings show it can also be a powerful source of joy, healing, and renewed connection across generations,” said Joni Magnus-Ramsey, chief happiness officer for Comfort Keepers. “Our research shows that while many family caregivers are carrying heavy responsibilities, they’re also experiencing meaningful moments with senior loved ones that can strengthen relationships in lasting ways. As we recognize the eighth annual National Day of Joy, it’s an important reminder that even in challenging seasons, joy is still found in caring for others.”
The data proved that, for caregivers, family comes first.
And this prioritization has given back to the caregivers in a priceless way.
In the study, 59% of respondents said they’ve prioritized being present for family more than their careers, and nearly all (87%) agreed that caring for an aging parent has been one of the most satisfying and fulfilling roles in their lives.
But it hasn’t been easy. Seven in 10 (69%) disclosed that they need more support when tending to their aging loved one.
Looking at practical ways to do this, most sandwich generation caregivers (85%) said that if respite or in-home care support for their aging parent were more accessible, it would make a notable positive difference in their own lives and well-being.
“The sandwich generation is navigating one of the most demanding life stages — raising children, managing careers and high-stress jobs, and caring for aging parents all at once — that creates significantly high rates of burnout,” said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author, and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. “This research highlights both sides of that reality: the emotional strain caregivers feel, yet the deep sense of purpose and accomplishment that often comes with showing up for family. Having the ability to get a respite break and having in-home support from a professional caregiver are so critical to protecting the sandwich generation’s well-being and helping families thrive.”
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 “sandwich generation” parents who have a child (18 or under) living at home and an aging parent they care for who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Comfort Keepers and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 9 and April 20, 2026.
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