Consultus Care & Nursing has launched Circle of Care, a national campaign highlighting the challenges adult children face as they juggle careers, family life, and caring responsibilities for ageing parents.
Research commissioned by firm shows that adult children typically ‘switch roles’ with their parents at the age of 48 – the point at which they begin to provide more support than they receive.
The survey of 500 adults aged 50+ revealed:
- More than half (54%) say their roles have already reversed, with children now supporting parents more than the other way around
- 39% feel more like a caregiver than a child, managing finances, transport, appointments and technology
- One in five (19%) have cancelled social plans due to caring duties, while 15% have reduced working hours earlier than planned
Despite this, 61% have not yet had a conversation about long-term care. To help families navigate these conversations, Consultus has developed the ‘How to talk about care at HOME’ guide – a practical resource offering tips and prompts for adult children to start discussing care needs with their older parents.
The guide encourages families to:
- Have a health check-in,
- Open up the conversation,
- Make a plan together, and
- Evolve as things change.
Peter Seldon, CEO of Consultus Care and Nursing, said: “So many adult children today are quietly carrying the weight of care, often juggling work, family and everything else life throws their way. For this ‘sandwich generation’, it’s an emotional experience that’s seldom discussed openly. Raising awareness of the different options available, and encouraging families to start conversations earlier, can make a real difference. That’s why we’ve created this guide – to give families a starting point and reassurance that they don’t have to do this alone.”
Circle of Care aims to spark a national conversation about what it means to age, to care, and to stay in control of your home and your life as the years pass. The campaign is supported by community outreach, media partnerships and practical resources designed to help families plan for the future.
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash
