Last week, my family and I had the privilege of appearing on the SBS Insight program in an episode titled The Sandwich Generation. For those unfamiliar with the term, the “Sandwich Generation” refers to people who are simultaneously supporting elderly parents and their own children—often adult children—who still require help navigating life.

When the Insight producers invited me to participate, I hesitated. I didn’t want to appear reluctant or unhappy to support my parents, both of whom have now been diagnosed with dementia. The truth is, I want to help them. They’ve done so much for me over the years, and I am incredibly grateful. Likewise, I love being present and involved in my daughters’ lives—it's something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Many of you who follow our blog know that my sister Tricia lives with complex disabilities, and I’ve recently stepped into the role of her primary carer, a role my mother carried for decades. As a family, we’ve always banded together in the face of care responsibilities, but this new stage of life has truly brought the pressures of being part of the Sandwich Generation into focus.

The Insight episode struck a chord with many. The response has been overwhelming—so many people relate to the struggle, especially those of us from Generation X. Yes, some argue that this isn't a new problem—that previous generations also juggled these demands. But as I shared on the program, what’s changed is the world around us.

My mother cared for her mother every day, but she had already retired and lived nearby. She could call on extended family and grandkids for extra support. Today, things are very different. Many of us are still working full-time, balancing complex care responsibilities, often without a strong local network.

During the program, my daughter Annabelle offered a thoughtful insight from a Gen Z perspective. She suggested that her generation may have more disposable income—not because they’re wealthier, but because home ownership is becoming increasingly unattainable. That financial shift may allow them to outsource services that previous generations would have handled themselves. It’s a different way of thinking about care, time, and family responsibility.

As the founder of Disability Equip Online, I know many of our customers are living this same reality. You’re caring for ageing parents, supporting children or siblings with disabilities, and trying to manage your own wellbeing—all at once. Please know that I see you. I understand. And I want to help where I can.

If we can make life just a little easier by taking the stress out of finding the right support products, please reach out. That’s why DEO exists—to help you care for the people you love, without feeling so alone in the process.

If you missed the Insight episode and would like to watch it, you can view it here:
👉 Watch The Sandwich Generation episode on SBS On Demand

With care,
Julie-Anne
Founder, Disability Equip Online

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