Community interventions to support grandparent caregivers

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Work
• Public Health

Background:

• Grandparents are increasingly raising grandchildren, necessitating community support.
• Existing community interventions and service programs require systematic identification and tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and track community interventions for grandparents raising grandchildren.
• To provide an overview of current community intervention efforts, focusing on support groups and comprehensive multi-service programs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the first year of the Brookdale Grandparent Caregiver Information Project.
• Examination of 124 community programs designed to assist grandparent caregivers.

Main Results:

• Lack of funding and institutional support were significant obstacles for programs.
• Inability to provide childcare was a major challenge faced by these programs.
• Sponsorship by health and social service agencies was crucial for in-kind and staff support.

Conclusions:

• Community interventions are essential for supporting grandparents raising grandchildren.
• Addressing funding and childcare needs is critical for program success.
• Partnerships with health and social service agencies enhance program sustainability and effectiveness.