Informal Grandmother Caregivers of Co-Resident Young Adult Grandchildren.

Abstract

Although primary caregivers of young adult grandchildren are generally not older women, a limited number of aged grandmothers assume this critical role. It is beneficial for the public to understand the lived experiences of these caregivers. For many different reasons, older grandmother caregivers freely provide valuable, person-centered care in their homes. They respond, on an ongoing basis, to the many care needs of their young adult grandchildren. Over time, their caregiving experiences can be satisfying and challenging. Because their services are provided to their young adult grandchildren at home, the collaborative efforts of health professionals, caregivers, and care recipients are essential. Therefore, researchers and health professionals can use conceptual models that emphasize wholeness, unity, and collaborative decision making to frame their understanding of the phenomenon of older grandmother caregivers, consider the influential factors, and determine the practice implications for this population. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(10), 15-19.].