(TNND) — "Sandwich generation" mothers are seeing their careers crumble under the weight of their caregiving responsibilities, according to a University of Phoenix special report.

These are women who are often in their 40s, in their prime working years, who are sandwiched between caring for their own kids and their aging parents.

The new report from the University of Phoenix Career Institute and the parenting website Motherly found that just over half of sandwich generation moms have left a job due to caregiving responsibilities.

"The term 'sandwich generation' only begins to describe the emotional and logistical load parents in this position carry," Ruth Veloria, chief strategy and customer officer at University of Phoenix, said in a news release. "This special report sheds light on the tough compromises many are forced to make and serves as a reminder that more thoughtful support systems are essential—not just to help caregivers stay connected to their careers, but to safeguard the long-term health and resilience of the workforce itself.”

Colorado State University economist Stephan Weiler said employers are losing out on a lot of talented people who are leaving jobs as they try to manage a dual-caregiving role at home.

People are living longer, and a lot of older folks are depending on Social Security and Medicare, Weiler said.

That’s not a lot of money in retirement.

“A financial difficulty makes moving in with the (adult) kids much more attractive,” he said.

And that leaves a working mother “ground down by career expectations and caregiving expectations,” Weiler said.

The University of Phoenix Career Institute and Motherly reported that over half of sandwich generation moms’ paychecks go to caregiving costs, which is more than double the costs experienced by mothers without dual-caregiving responsibilities.

About two-thirds of these women said the benefits offered by their employers aren't meeting their caregiving needs.

And close to 60% said they feel trapped in their jobs due to a lack of qualifications or time to upskill.

Labor economist Gabrielle Pepin said some employers have stepped up to the plate to help workers manage their caregiving demands.

But many workers are still left out, she said.

And those women need policy changes at the state and national level, Pepin said.

“I don't have any advice for sandwich generation moms because this isn't an individual issue,” Pepin said via email. “As a group, they lack the supports they need to thrive in the labor market, and there's little that any one person can do to address this. We need comprehensive reforms to ensure that sandwich generation moms can fully participate in the labor market and advance in their careers.”

The University of Phoenix Career Institute and Motherly report suggested flexible work arrangements, caregiver leave, educational support, and tools like artificial intelligence-enabled caregiving resources could help keep sandwich generation moms working.