Looking after young children while supporting ageing parents can feel like having two full-time jobs. One minute, you are preparing school lunches and organising after-school plans. Next, you are booking medical appointments, checking on Mum or Dad, or making sure they are safe at home.
This stage of life can be demanding, and there is rarely much time to stop and catch your breath.
Many Perth families face this juggling act. It is often described as being part of the “sandwich generation”, where adults care for their children while also supporting their ageing parents. The name may sound simple, but the emotional, physical and financial pressure can be significant.
Finding practical ways to share the responsibility can help protect your wellbeing while ensuring both generations receive the care and attention they need.
The Reality of Dual Caregiving in Perth
Perth covers a large area, and family members do not always live close to one another. A quick visit to check on an ageing parent could involve a long drive, especially when combined with work, school runs, appointments and other family commitments.
The emotional strain can be just as difficult.
You may feel guilty that you are not doing enough for your parent while worrying that your children see you distracted by phone calls, care arrangements or hospital visits. It can feel as though someone always needs more of your time.
Recognising that the pressure is becoming difficult to manage is an important first step. Another is exploring aged home care services Perth families can access to help ageing parents remain safe, independent and supported in their own homes.
Getting the Right Help at Home
Arranging professional in-home support can reduce some of the pressure on family carers. Regular visits from a trained care worker may also provide reassurance that your parent is receiving appropriate support when you cannot be there yourself.
White Oak Home Care Services has provided in-home care to people across Perth for more than 25 years. Its services include personal care, clinical nursing, allied health, respite care, help around the home and home modifications.
Depending on your parent’s needs, support might include help with showering and dressing, preparing meals, cleaning, shopping, managing health concerns or staying connected with the community.
White Oak has five hubs across the Perth metropolitan area, including Joondalup, Butler, Claremont, Midland and Scarborough. This allows its teams to support families in different parts of the city.
For someone managing both childcare and eldercare, having another trusted person regularly check on Mum or Dad can make the week feel more manageable.
Understanding the Support at Home Program
The Australian Government is due to introduce the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025 to replace preexisting programs.
The program is designed to help older people remain independent at home by improving access to approved services, equipment and home modifications.
Support may include:
- clinical services, such as nursing and occupational therapy
- assistance with personal care and medication
- transport and respite care
- cleaning, gardening and meal preparation
- equipment or home modifications that improve safety
People approved for ongoing Support at Home services are assigned one of eight classifications, with funding based on their assessed care needs. The program also includes short-term pathways for restorative care, assistive technology, home modifications and end-of-life support.
Your parent will generally need to complete an aged care assessment before receiving approved services. You can learn more about eligibility, assessments and available support through My Aged Care.
White Oak provides personalised services under the Support at Home program and can explain the care options available to your family.
Practical Tips for Family Carers
If you are caring for young children and an ageing parent, the following strategies may help make your responsibilities more manageable.
Have the Conversation Early
Families often avoid discussing care until something goes wrong. Starting the conversation before a crisis gives your parent more time to express what they want and what kind of support they would feel comfortable receiving.
Ask whether they are having difficulty with meals, housework, transport, medication or personal care. Small changes can be easier to address before they become urgent problems.
Split Responsibilities Where Possible
If you have siblings or other relatives who can help, divide responsibilities clearly rather than assuming everyone knows what needs to be done.
One person might manage appointments, while another handles bills, shopping or regular phone calls. Clear responsibilities can reduce duplicated effort and prevent important tasks from being overlooked.
Protect Time With Your Children
Children can notice when stress follows you throughout the day. Try to create small periods when your attention is focused on them.
This does not need to involve a large outing. Reading together before bed, going to the park or having a device-free meal can help your children feel secure and connected.
Consistency matters more than planning something elaborate.
Accept Help Without Guilt
Family carers may worry that accepting outside help means they are not doing enough. In reality, arranging appropriate support can be one of the most practical and caring decisions you make.
Professional care does not replace your relationship with your parent. It can allow you to spend less time managing routine tasks and more time being their daughter, son or family member.
Looking After Yourself Too
Long-term caring responsibilities can affect your mental health, physical wellbeing and social connections.
You cannot continue supporting both an ageing parent and young children if you are constantly exhausted. Getting enough sleep, staying active and speaking honestly with your partner, siblings or a trusted friend are not luxuries. They are important parts of maintaining your wellbeing.
It is also reasonable to take a break.
White Oak offers respite care for families who need short-term support. This can give you time to rest, attend to other responsibilities or spend focused time with your children while ensuring your parent continues to receive appropriate care.
Final Thoughts
Supporting ageing parents while raising young children is one of the most demanding stages of family life. However, you do not have to manage every responsibility alone.
Starting conversations early, sharing tasks with relatives and arranging suitable in-home support may reduce some of the daily pressure. It can also help your parent remain independent while allowing you to protect time with your children and care for your own wellbeing.
As your parent’s needs change, reviewing their support regularly can help your family respond before the situation becomes overwhelming. With the right people and services around you, caring for two generations can feel less like an impossible balancing act and more like a shared family responsibility.
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