Grandparents and Caregiving – The “Skip” Generation

by Amanda

Today we have a post written by Tayla that takes an inside look into a specific type of caregiving and the interesting implications therein. –Amanda

 

Grandparents and Caregiving – The “Skip” Generation

by Tayla Holman

A growing area of caregiving is that of grandparents taking care of their grandchildren, or even their great-grandchildren. Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren are often referred to as the “skip generation.” A “skip” generation refers to a generation two or more below a person. The resulting household is sometimes called a “grandfamily.”

 

There are almost 6.7 million children in the United States living in grandfamilies, according to Census data from 2009. That’s a 64 percent increase from 10 years ago. 2.5 million children are living primarily with their grandparents, with neither biological parent present in the home. The economy has played a big role in grandchildren living with their grandparents, due to many parents – especially those who are young or single – being financially unable to take care of their children. There are other reasons, such as abuse and neglect, that also lead to more grandparents taking in their children’s children.

 

So what does it mean to be a grandparent providing care to one or more grandchildren?

 

It may mean having to postpone retirement plans for a couple of years, or losing post-retirement freedom. It may also mean having to keep a closer eye on finances now that there are more mouths to feed. It also means becoming a parent all over again, going to PTA meetings and helping with homework. And that’s just for grandparents taking care of grandchildren who are healthy.

 

For grandparents who are taking care of grandchildren who are mentally or physically ill, the responsibility can be an even bigger strain, both financially and mentally. There are some programs in place, such as the “Grandparent Subsidy” in Washington, DC, that provide financial assistance to grandparent caregivers, although that program recently received cuts to its budget.

 

As a grandparent caregiver, it is important to know that there are resources out there. We’ve already compiled a brief list, but there is one more that should be added. Grandfamilies.org is the website for the Grandfamilies State Law and Policy Resource Center, which is a collaboration between Casey Family Programs, the American Bar Association’s Center on Children and the Law and Generations United.  Grandfamilies.org offers information about adoption, financial assistance, caregiver support programs and more. This site is essentially a one-stop destination for all things related to being a grandparent caregiver.

 

With more and more grandparents becoming caregivers, the need for resources – financial and otherwise – is steadily increasing. What are some other websites or programs we missed? It is said that it takes a village to raise a child, so where else can grandparent caregivers find support once they’ve reentered parenthood?

 

 

Time Monday, August 15th, 2011, 10:30   |   CategoryAdvocating for Others, aging, August, caregiving  |  RssRSS feed |  CommentRespond  |  TrackbackTrackback

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  • http://blog.wegohealth.com/2011/08/26/between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-%e2%80%93-the-sandwich-generation/ Between a Rock and a Hard Place – The Sandwich Generation | WEGO Health Blog

    [...] already talked about the “skip generation” – grandparents raising their grandchildren when the parents are unable to – so now it’s [...]

  • brimonet1

    I like that you pointed out the
    changes grandparents may go through when they agree to care for their
    grandchildren or great grandchildren.  I
    think these changes are really interesting from a lifespan development
    perspective.  As adults pass through
    midlife and enter later adulthood they continue to develop.  Retirement represents the freedom that many
    experience….freedom to travel, participate in activities they have always
    wanted to do, say things they have previously held back from saying…and with
    little to no worry about the impact on others because they are no longer
    responsible for anyone but themselves. 
    Becoming a grandparent caregiver causes a boomerang from this freedom
    back to having to base decisions on their grandchildren as they are the primary
    caregiver.  It also takes away time that
    would otherwise be spent with aging peers. 
    One benefit I do think it is important to note is the need for
    generativity.  Grandparent-grandchild
    relationships allow grandparents to impart knowledge and skills on their
    grandchildren in ways that really boost their own sense of contribution to
    their family’s future and the future world. 
    Grandparent caregivers may have more opportunity for this influence and
    in a way that is unguarded by parents’ opinions or beliefs.  Really enjoyed your post!