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Mary L. Greaney, PhD, Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, 2 Chafee Road, Kingston, RI 02881, 401-874-7546, mgreaney@etal.uri.edu and Faith D. Lees, MS, The SENIOR Project, University of Rhode Island, 2 Chafee Road, Kingston, RI 02881.
This exploratory qualitative study examines the needs and concerns of relatives, predominantly grandparents, serving as caregivers for family members under the age of 18. Two focus groups were conducted at a suburban Senior Center in Warwick, Rhode Island. Most participants were women (83.3%), whose age ranged from 58 to 76 years (Mean=65, SD=6.5), and half were married. The number of children under 18 living in the household ranged from one to four. All participants view their lack of legal rights as grandparents and role ambiguity as being the most difficult aspects of caring for a relative under the age of 18. Locating services and guidance, which most participants agree are underprovided, are a great concern. Participants also voice concerns about their grandchildren’s socialization, including choice of friends, enforcing discipline, and express worry that their grandchildren may feel unwanted and resent them for taking on the role of their parents. Most agree that their lives have changed drastically including a direct impact on diminished free time and flexibility during retirement, marital strain, and anger towards their own children for not caring for their children adequately. Perceived barriers to providing care including financial concerns and lack of support services are identified. In addition, the participants’ recommendations to alleviate these barriers and the positive experiences of caring for relatives are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.