Grandparents raising grandchildren have received considerable attention in
recent years. Many observers perceive grandparent care to be a growing
phenomenon. Nearly 6 million children and 1.5 million grandparents currently
live in grandparent-grandchild households. One in 5 of the older caregivers
lives below the poverty level. One million are single grandmothers.

These households face unique daily challenges. Besides exhaustion, these
grandparents face an overwhelming array of emotional and social concerns.
They might feel angry or resentful, since they were looking forward to leisure
time in retirement and must now put those plans on hold. They might feel guilty
and feel responsible because their child cannot care for his or her own
children. There are also feelings of stress: Are the decisions being made for
the grandchildren the best ones? Many grandparents also feel lonely, since many
of their peers are not in the same role and don’t understand the demands that
they face daily.

Social issues they face may include dating, drugs,
alcohol, emotional and health problems, learning difficulties, financial
strains, legal questions, and social isolation. When coupled with their own
health and financial issues, grandparents find themselves faced with sacrificing
their own needs for the benefit of the grandchildren to give them a better life.

Where, you may ask, is the middle generation, these childrens' parents?
They may be physically around but cannot provide the daily emotional and
financial care to their children due to physical or mental illness, substance
abuse, economic troubles, recent separation or divorce, or unemployment. They
may be incarcerated, have left the area altogether, or be deceased.

A number of agencies have developed programs to assist the older generation
in facing the challenges of this demanding caregiver role. A phone call to the
local Area Agency on Aging or the local Grandparent Resource Center can provide
information on financial, child care, and legal assistance, as well as parenting
tips. Grandparents should also consider joining a support
group serving caregivers like themselves. Just knowing that others are faced
with the same daily challenges can be very comforting. Support group
participants not only make new friends and learn from others, but also gather a
wealth of information and services available in the community to help them cope
with their new parenting role.

Connecting with a faith community can provide grandparents with services such
as respite care, child care, and transportation, which can be very helpful.

Respite care is important for anyone who is serving as a caregiver but
even more so for an older person, who may have their own health issues to
consider.

It is critical that caregivers paying attention to their own health. If the
caregiver becomes ill, who will care for the child? There are a number of formal
services that provide respite care. Grandparents can also rely on other family
members, friends, or neighbors to give them a break from the daily demands.
Finding time to get away is crucial to “recharging batteries,” so that the
grandparent feels refreshed and is in the optimum mental health to serve as a
caregiver.

Taking time to eat a well-balanced diet, exercising
regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and getting regular check-ups from the
doctor are paramount to staying in the best physical health. It is also
important to remember to have fun! Humor is the spice of life. Everyone feels
happier and healthier when they have a positive attitude and can find laughter
and humor in daily life.