Grandparent Caregivers

Paper Summary:

This research examines differences in physical and mental health status between minority-group grandparents raising grandchildren and those who are not involved in this care-giving role. The discussion builds on earlier studies of grandparent caregivers, using a national data set, but it is unique in that it explores the physical and mental health of the growing sub-population of minority-group grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Methods
Results
Discussion
Implications for Research and Practice
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Minority caregivers will be significantly more likely than their non care-giving peers to have limitations in four of the five activities of daily living (ADL) investigated . Caregivers will have more problems moving around inside the house and doing day-to-day tasks. The levels of limitation will be quite substantial, with 29 percent of caregivers reporting "a lot of limitation" climbing a flight of stairs and two of five caregivers indicating that they will have a lot of limitation walking six blocks. Approximately two-thirds of caregivers will have at least one limitation, and the mean number of limitations will too. No significant differences will be found between Minority caregivers and non-caregivers with respect to self-reported health status or with their reported ability to bathe, dress, and provide other personal care."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chadiha, L. A., Adams, P., Biegel, D. E., Auslander, W., & Gutierrez, L. (2004). Empowering Minority Women Informal Caregivers: A Literature Synthesis and Practice Strategies. Social Work, 49(1), 97+.
• Conway-Giustra, F., Crowley, A., & Gorin, S. H. (2002). Crisis in Care giving: A Call to Action. Health and Social Work, 27(4), 307+.
• Cox, C. B. (2002). Empowering Minority Custodial Grandparents. Social Work, 47(1), 45+.
• Dixon, C. G., Richard, M., & Rollins, C. W. (2003). Contemporary Issues Facing Aging Americans: Implications for Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. The Journal of Rehabilitation, 69(2), 5+.
• Fuller-Thomson, E., & Minkler, M. (2000). MINORITY GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: A National Profile of Demographic and Health Characteristics. Health and Social Work, 25(2), 109.

More papers on Grandparent Caregivers:

• Research Paper # 70451 : "Grandparents as Caregivers"
• Essay # 47710 : "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren"
• Research Proposal # 29133 : "Maternal Incarceration"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: