Grandparent Caregivers Lived Experiences and Resource Needs/Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

This project examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on grandparent caregivers, grandchildren, family dynamics, and resources to mitigate and navigate crises. Phone interviews were conducted with 24 grandparent caregivers using a semi-structured interview guide. Caregivers explained that the pandemic had impacted them and their grandchildren by increasing emotional distress, social isolation, financial difficulties, and challenges with education. Helpful resources consisted of financial support, respite care, and support for grandchildren. Thus, there is a need to provide grandparent caregivers with the same resources that foster care providers receive - particularly when faced with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• grandparent caregiver
• family dynamics
• health impacts
• social isolation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project is funded through a grant from Old Dominion University School of Public Health Initiative [Funding Number: PH50].