Running head: GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Shreveport, LA: Challenges and
Resources
Lish’a Bond
LSU Shreveport and LSUHSC-Shreveport
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 1
Abstract
The phenomenon of grandparents raising grandchildren is worldwide and has stretched into the United States. This phenomenon has been studied for some years now and has found that it is often through undesirable circumstances, such as drugs and alcohol, which grandchildren come into the care of their grandparents. Both the grandchildren and the grandparents have been found to be at increased risk for several health conditions such as psychological distress. Louisiana is not different from the rest of the world and also has numerous grandparent caregiver households. This qualitative study included in-depth interviews and unobtrusive chart reviews of fifteen participants who identified themselves as grandparents raising their grandchildren who regularly attend the Martin Luther King Health Center (MLK) in Shreveport, LA. It was found that the majority of the participants were unaware of services or resources in the area. It was also found that they were most challenged with a difference in activity level, behavioral issues of the grandchildren, and a lack of financial security and resources. Resources they stated they most needed included money, food, clothes, utility bill payments, home improvements, support groups, legal services, housing, and transportation. Information on resources in the area of Shreveport, LA was collected and provided in the form of a directory to the MLK director and in pamphlet form to the participants and any other clients at need at MLK. Quantitative studies, collaboration with organizations identified as resources, online resources, support groups, and a resource center are all promising possibilities for the future.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 2
Introduction
The Problem and Significance
Grandparents raising grandchildren is not only an increasing
occurrence in the United States, but also throughout the world.
Westernization of countries has resulted in changing family dynamics and
elders are now relied on to take part in raising grandchildren instead of
being cared for themselves (Lo & Liu, 2009). In the United States the
increased reliance on grandparents to raise grandchildren has arisen from
such circumstances as substance abuse, death, child abuse, neglect,
divorce, teen pregnancy, unemployment, HIV/AIDS, incarceration, illness,
mental/developmental illness, financial or emotional hardship, and
abandonment (Bigbee, 2011; Brintnall-Peterson, 2009; Carr, 2012; Kelley,
2010; Kelley, 2013; Lo, 2009; National Abandoned Infants Assistance
Resource Center [AIA], 2004; Neely-Barnes, 2010; Smith, 2010; Van Etten,
2012). With other countries the cause is most often that the parents are
employed full-time and cannot be home to care for the children (Lo, 2009).
In the United States approximately 2.9 million grandparents were raising
their grandchildren in 2009, which accounted for 5% of all children (Kelley,
2013 & Van Etten, 2012). Over half of the grandparents raising
grandchildren are married according to Smith, 2010. Bigbee, 2011, noted of
the grandparents raising grandchildren “19% live in poverty, 67% are
younger than 60, and 25% have a disability.” In Louisiana, according to the
2010 Census, 11.5% (128,600) of children lived with grandparent
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 3
householders. Of these children 72,555 were cared for primarily by the
grandparent and 26,708 had no parent present. In Louisiana there are
68,668 grandparents raising grandchildren in their home, 46% of which
have no parent present, 68% are under age 60, and 27% live in poverty. In
Shreveport, LA 2,593 grandparents “are the householders and responsible
for their grandchildren living with them.” (AARP, 2011).
Grandparents raising grandchildren presents many unique public
health concerns and challenges. It has been found that substance abuse of
the parents can cause developmental, emotional, and psychological issues
in the children. Grandchildren being raised by grandparents have been
found to be at increased risk for developmental delay, emotional issues,
psychological and behavioral problems, and poor physical health Physical
health problems include asthma, weakened immune system, physical
disabilities, poor sleeping patterns, sinuses, allergies, chronic bronchitis,
poor eating habits, and diabetes. Other issues noted in various studies
included having three or more concurrent socioeconomic risks ,having low
or very low food security resulting in hunger, and being exposed to illegal
alcohol and drugs and engaging in unprotected sex. (AIA, 2004; Carr, 2012;
Bigbee, 2011; Brintnall-Peterson, 2009; Cornelius, 2009; Higgins, 2010;
Kelley, 2010; Kelley, 2013; Neely-Barnes, 2010; & Smith, 2010).
Grandparents caring for grandchildren have been found to bear many
different problems as well. Grandparents are often dealing with a limited
income presenting them at below the poverty level. Issues have presented
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 4
for grandparents raising grandchildren in all areas of life including mental
health, social health, and physical health, specifically chronic disease. The
most prominent mental health issue experienced by grandparents raising
grandchildren is stress, but others include depression, psychological
distress, anxiety, and the stigma often related to the grandchildren’s
parents. Role functioning, social isolation, role conflicts, marital distress,
dysfunctional parenting, role restructuring, social functioning, and family
dysfunction are all social health issues addressed in multiple studies of
grandparents raising grandchildren. Chronic disease is a focus of
grandparents raising grandchildren and includes diabetes, hypertension,
heart disease, insomnia, and overweight or obesity. Other physical health
issues include activity limitation, body pain, decreased physical functioning,
and suppressed immune function. Less common issues noted in the current
body of literature included a lack of social and family support, low food
security, lack of access to healthcare, the grandchildren’s special needs,
being ill-prepared for sexual communication, and feelings of loss, anger,
and guilt for the grandchild’s parent. (AIA, 2004; Bigbee, 2011; Brintnall-
Peterson, 2009; Carr, 2012; Cornelius, 2009; Higgins, 2010; Kelley, 2010;
Kelley, 2013; Lo, 2009; Neely-Barnes, 2010; Smith, 2010; & Van Etten,
2012).
Associated Issues
Studies have been conducted on a variety of issues caused by the
above mentioned whole health concerns. The topics to be briefly discussed
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 5
are psychological distress, dysfunctional parenting, quality of life, and
caregiver burden. Psychological distress was addressed in the study by
Kelley (2013) and utilized the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment,
and adaptation. The study found “that nearly 40% of participants [African
American caregiving grandmothers] in the current study scored in the
clinical range on psychological distress.” The caregiving role, the
circumstances bringing the child into their care, and grandchild behavior
problems all contribute to the high level of psychological stress found.
Suggestions to help counteract this psychological distress include trauma-
focused cognitive behavior therapy, support groups, and access to
community resources. Marital distress and dysfunctional parenting, due to
the new roles of caregivers on the grandparents, can cause the grandchild
to have adjustment difficulties (Smith, 2010). The study focused on the
family stress model and determined that “(a) caregiver distress is related to
poor parenting, (b) poor parenting is related to child adjustment problems,
and (c) parenting mediates the relationship between caregiver distress and
child adjustment.” Reasons for this phenomenon include deficient
interpersonal skills of the caregiver, emotional insecurity of the grandchild,
children learning the dysfunctional behavior from the caregivers, and social
and economic disadvantage. Including grandfathers in treatment, reducing
grandparents’ distress, and providing services to the grandparents when
they seek services for the grandchildren are all suggestions to improve this
phenomenon.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 6
Quality of life in grandparents raising grandchildren has been shown
to be both positively and negatively affected. Negative effects on quality of
life include decreased mental and physical health, but positive effects
include providing a second chance and new opportunities. In one study for
health related quality of life of grandparents raising grandchildren it was
found that they were below average in physical functioning, general health,
and the physical component summary. In the same study it was found that
almost 74% of children had a health problem, most commonly asthma,
sinuses, allergies, chronic bronchitis, emotional problems, behavioral
problems, and hyperactivity. Grandparents were found to be more likely to
have symptoms of depression. Grandparents’ education level, number of
grandchildren being cared for, and grandchildren’s health problems all
predicted quality of life (Neely-Barnes, 2010). A study on grandparent
caregivers in Taiwan found very different results, there was no significant
difference in quality of life or depression symptoms between grandparent
caregivers and grandparents not responsible for the care of a grandchild.
This was the first study of this kind in Taiwan and looked to see the effects
of Westernization on grandparents in Taiwan (Lo, 2009). Caregiver burden
is another issue studied with grandparents raising grandchildren. The study
by Carr (2012) looked at caregiver burden and its relation to services
available to the grandparents to help raise their grandchildren. The study
took concepts from both the social and behavioral model of health services
and the cognitive approach to stress and coping. The study found that
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 7
“burden uniquely predicted needs for information about services, needs for
service, and service use.” Awareness of a need for services and what
services are available is vital to help support grandparents raising
grandchildren. Reasons for being unaware of services noted by this study
include lack of access, distrust of the services, greater family resources, and
depression. Utilizing faith-based organizations, support groups, and
reducing barriers are all recommendations made by the study.
Examples to Address the Widespread Issues
A qualitative study focused on nutrition-related practices and
attitudes found that 15.4% of seniors with grandchild in the home, but no
adult child, were food insecure while only 5.2% of seniors without
grandchildren in the home were food insecure. To address this Higgins and
Murray (2010) performed interviews and coded them to determine
reoccurring themes. These themes included being more nutrition and food-
safety conscious and shifting their child feeding style. Another theme was
the issue of an on-the-go lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle due to more screen
time, and nutritious food being expensive. It was found that the
grandparents wanted information in the form of printed or video education
materials and most wanted to learn about proper nutrition, fast foods and
packaged foods, feeding “picky eaters,” healthful recipes, and snacks low in
salt, sugar, and fat. Another qualitative study, by Cornelius (2009), utilized
focus groups to address the attitudes and feelings about sexual education
for grandparents raising grandchildren. This study was unique because it
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 8
included separate focus groups for the grandparents and the grandchildren.
This is an important topic to address because it has been found that, for
African Americans, HIV has contributed to the rising number of
grandparents raising grandchildren and “adolescent grandchildren raised
by grandmothers are more likely than children raised by their parents to
live in poverty, to be exposed to illegal alcohol and drug use, and to engage
in unprotected sexual intercourse.” The findings from these focus groups
were very promising. The grandparents knew the importance of sexual
communication and most engaged in this discussion; however, they noted
the generational differences that were not prepared for and caused them to
be uncomfortable, which was also noted by the grandchildren. Peer
pressure, media, and the glorification of sex through music and music
videos were all noted as obstacles in society to be overcome. In conclusion
of this study it was found that interventions are needed to help
grandparents learn how to have these difficult conversations with their
grandchildren. Interventions can include education, support groups,
collaboration with community and faith-based organizations, and teaching
current terminology to the grandparents. A relatively large study performed
by Kelley and colleagues (2010) examined the impact of an intervention to
improve health outcomes for grandmothers raising grandchildren. This
intervention was home-based and included visits by registered nurses and
social workers as well as education, support groups, and referrals to legal
services. For the grandchildren, early intervention services were available
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 9
for those with special needs. Goals for health concerns were made by the
grandmothers and the registered nurses. Glucometers were provided for
diabetic participants and blood pressure monitors were provided for
hypertensive participants. Measures included BMI, visual acuity, glucose,
cholesterol blood levels, blood pressure, and a health risk appraisal. The
main measure for the intervention; however, was the Short Form-36 general
Health Survey. It was found by this study that the intervention improved
physical and emotional effects on role functioning, vitality, and mental
health. A smaller project by Bigbee and colleagues (2011) provided
personalized health promotion education and behavior change
reinforcement. The project also worked as a liaison between the
participants and community resources. Measures included the Health-
Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, SF-36 Health Survey, height, weight, lipids,
blood glucose, and blood pressure at the beginning. At the end of 6 months
the HPLPII, SF-36, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure were
measured again. At the end health status was unchanged except for a
decline in diastolic blood pressure and improved nutrition. This project
could have been improved with a larger sample, a control group, and a
longer period of time for the intervention. A completely different approach
has been made and focuses on child development issues for the
grandparents raising grandchildren. This approach provided web-based fact
sheets not only for the grandparents, but also for the professionals the
grandparents come into contact with throughout their life. These fact sheets
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 10
focus on educating the grandparents on child development, close
relationships, relationship expectations, disruptions in close relationships,
importance of open communication, child behavior, children’s contact with
parents, and the cycle of family patterns. The evaluation of these fact sheets
began in their formation as they were developed and reviewed multiple
times by child and family researchers, extension specialists, and a clinical
psychologists. The fact sheets were also piloted with three groups that were
ethnically, geographically, and economically diverse. A final review was
done externally by professionals of child development, gerontology, child
welfare, and adult education. Most common changes occurring from these
pilots and reviews were simpler wording, enumeration to make the fact
sheets a series, and providing other references. Through a survey attached
to the fact sheets the value noted by their users, and themed by the
researchers, included knowledge, support, adaptability, better life, and
support for replication and modifications. The fact sheets were utilized and
found valuable by grandparents raising grandchildren, professionals who
may serve grandparents rising grandchildren, and others.
The current study’s purposes include determining the challenges of
grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, Louisiana, gathering and analyzing
data such as sex, race, and income of grandparent caregivers included in
the study, and determining resources needed and currently available in
Shreveport, Louisiana. The resources available in Shreveport, Louisiana will
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 11
be developed into a directory for organizations and brochures for
participants, as well as any other patients of the study site.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 12
Method
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is exploratory in nature so it was chosen for this
study as a first attempt to determine the presence of the phenomenon,
grandparents raising grandchildren, in Shreveport, LA. Qualitative research
is also descriptive in nature allowing for information to be seen in the
participants’ context, setting, or frame of reference. An important aspect of
qualitative research is its ability to be modified as needed as the research
proceeds. Many times with qualitative research a pilot study is desirable.
Site of Study
Martin Luther King Health Center (MLK) in Shreveport, Louisiana
was utilized to conduct the research study. The mission of MLK is to serve
at no cost to uninsured patients with chronic illness who would forgo
routine medical care because of a lack of resources to reduce health costs
by lowering the number of unnecessary hospital emergency department
visits. Patient eligibility criteria include an age of 18 to 64, uninsured, not
above 200% poverty, and diagnosed with one or more chronic illnesses.
Entry to MLK was possible by formal gatekeepers Dr. Dennis Wissing,
former president and current volunteer doctor, and Janet Mentasane,
current director. Dr. Dennis Wissing is a professor for the Master of Public
Health (MPH) program at LSU Shreveport/LSUHSC-Shreveport. There has
been cooperative utilization of the MLK population for the MPH program for
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 13
years now as it provides more resources and education for the patients and
research and volunteer opportunities for the MPH students.
Participant Population
Charts for each clinic were viewed to determine if the clients had
minors in the household. If so, clients were approached and asked if they
were a grandparent raising their grandchild. If so, they were asked to
participate in the interview. If the client agreed they were brought to a
private conference room to conduct the interview in a confidential manner.
Other clients without minors noted in their charts were simply approached
and asked if they had grandchildren, and if so were they raising them and
willing to participate. A formal consent (appendix A) form was provided and
explained in full by the researcher prior to the interview.
A pilot study was conducted with the same participation collection
procedure and included four grandparents raising grandchildren.
Data Collection
Primary data collection included in-depth interviews consisting of
fifteen questions (appendix B). Interviews were recorded audibly for
transcription purposes. Supplemental data analysis included unobtrusive
client chart reviews with the purpose of collecting data on age, sex, race,
marital status, health conditions, health insurance status, educational level,
employment status, yearly income, and source of income.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 14
Data from chart reviews were labeled with a coded number
prohibiting identification of the subjects’ name. One-on-one interviews were
audibly recorded with no mention of names. Recordings and transcriptions
were coded as well to prevent participant identification.
Data Analysis
Data analysis for the interviews started with the conduction of the
interviews and continued through transcription, organization, determining
themes, and coding those themes. Descriptive analysis was also utilized for
data from the interviews, as well as data from the chart reviews.
Resources in Shreveport, LA
Research to determine available resources and services for
grandparents raising grandchildren was conducted and organized in a excel
spreadsheet to include the organization’s name, address, phone number,
website, services offered, and any eligibility requirements. This information
was formatted into a directory to be used by MLK and pamphlets to be used
by the participants and any other clients of MLK who may be in need of the
services. While the resources were geared toward what was needed by the
participants and identified in the literature review, almost all of the
resources can be utilized by a myriad of populations, especially those of low
income.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 15
Results
Chart Reviews
Data on 15 participants extracted from their MLK patient charts. One
recruit declined participation. Ages of the participants ranged from 42-70
and the mean age was 57. Participants were primarily female, black,
married or divorced, and had completed 12th grade (see Table 1).
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 16
Table 1. Grandparent Caregivers Demographic Characteristics (N = 15)
Variable Frequency PercentageAge
41-45 1 6%46-50 1 7%51-55 3 20%56-60 6 40%61-65 3 20%66-70 1 7%
SexMale 1 6.7%
Female 14 93.3%Race
Black 13 87%Hispanic 1 7%
Caucasian 1 6%Marital Status
Divorced 4 26.7%Married 4 26.7%Single 2 13.3%
Separated 2 13.3%Widowed 1 6.7%
Unidentified 2 13.3%Highest Educational
10th Grade 2 13.3%12th Grade 7 46.7%
Some College 4 26.7%Associate’s Degree 1 6.7%
Unknown 1 6.7%Employment Status
Employed 6 40%Unemployed 9 60%
The most common health conditions of the participants included high
blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Other health
conditions found include cancer, alcohol use, carpal tunnel, heartburn
(GERD), congestive heart failure, heart failure, heart disease, and heart
failure. All of these conditions were identified by one participant each, or
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 17
6.7% of grandparents presented. Most participants had no health insurance
and several had no health insurance who had been denied by Medicaid (see
Table 2).
Table 2. Health Conditions and Health Insurance Status of Grandparent
Caregivers
Variables Frequency PercentageHealth Conditions
High blood pressure 14 93.3%Smoker 6 40%Arthritis 9 60%
High cholesterol 14 93.3%Diabetes 8 53.3%Stroke 4 26.7%Asthma 3 20%
Depression 2 13.3%Health Insurance
None 6 40%None and Medicaid 5 33.3%None and Medicaid 1 6.7%
Medicare A, B, and D 2 13.3%Medicare A, B, and D 1 6.7%
Yearly household income for the participants ranged from $864 to
$31,536 and had a mean of $16,637. The most common sources of income
for the participants were wages and disability. Many of the participants had
more than one source of income. Common combinations included wages
and a household members’ disability, wages and a household members’
social security, and social security and pension (see Table 3).
Table 3. Yearly Household Income and Sources of Income of Grandparent
Caregivers
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 18
Variable Frequency PercentageYearly Household
< $1,000 1 6.7%$1,001 - $5,000 1 6.7%
$5,001 - $10,000 1 6.7%$ 10,001 - $ 15,000 5 33.3%$15,001 - $20,000 2 13.3%$20,001 - $25,000 1 6.7%$25,001 - $30,000 2 13.3%$30,001 - $35,000 2 13.3%
Source of IncomeWages 8 53.3%
Disability 5 33.3%Social security 5 33.3%Family support 3 20%
Pension 2 13.3%Annuity 1 6.7%
Child Support 1 6.7%
Interviews
There were 24 total grandchildren of the 15 grandparent caregivers.
One participant spoke Spanish only. In this case the daughter-in-law
answered the questions she knew and translated the ones she did not. The
range of the grandchildren’s age was from 1 to 18 years and the average
age was 9 years (see Table 4).
Table 4. Demographic Characteristics of the Grandchildren (N = 24)
Variable Frequency PercentageAge
1-6 7 29.2%7-12 11 45.8%13-18 6 25%
SexMale 9 37.5%
Female 10 41.7%Undisclosed 5 20.8%
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 19
Grandparent caregivers cared for 1.6 grandchildren on average and
the number of grandchildren per grandparent caregiver ranged from 1 to 4.
When asked how long the grandparent had been caring for their grandchild
(ren) 10 of the 15 participants, 66.7%, responded since the child (ren) was
born. The average time with the grandparent caregiver for all 24
grandchildren was 7 years and the range was from 1 to 18 years. The
average time caring for the grandchild (ren) for those who had not had
them since they were born was 10 years and ranged from 1 to 15 years.
When asked if their grandchild (ren) had health insurance answers
included yes, no, and unknown. Those who said yes identified Medicaid
most often. An interesting phenomenon noted is that two grandparents who
said their grandchild did not have health insurance followed up with the
fact that the grandchild had Medicaid. Also, two grandparents claimed their
grandchild had Medicare, but when asked if it was actually Medicaid they
agreed (see Table 5).
Table 5. Health Insurance Status of the Grandchildren
Status Frequency PercentageYes
Medicaid 6 40%Medicare corrected to
Medicaid2 13.3%
Parent’s 1 6.7%No
No 1 6.7%No - Medicaid 2 13.3%
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 20
Unknown 3 20%
Most commonly grandparents identified that their grandchild (ren)
did not have any ongoing health issues requiring the child see a healthcare
provider regularly (see Table 6).
Table 6. Health Issues of Grandchildren Cared for by Grandparents
Health Issue Frequency PercentageNone 17 70.8%
Asthma 2 8.3%Overweight 1 4.2%
Epilepsy and autism 1 4.2%Eczema 1 4.2%
Seasonal allergies 1 4.2%Hearing loss 1 4.2%
One of the most common reasons for the grandparents being the ones
to care for their grandchild (ren) were the mother working. One
grandparent said,
Her momma working all the time and there nobody at home you know
to see about her. She’s trying to work and you know have something.
Another grandparent said “because the mother has to work.” One mother
works night shift so the grandparent said “Instead of waking them up,
taking them home you know I just start letting them stay with me.”
The mother being deceased was another common reason for the
grandparents having the grandchild (ren). In one situation the “…mother’s
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 21
deceased and the father is in jail.” Another grandparent said “My daughter
which was her mother passed away.”
Drugs and alcohol were involved in a couple of situations, the
daughter-in-law of one of the grandparents said
Mom was into drugs and the state took the children and we went
through court. I helped them go through court to get them.
The government was also involved in another situation as one
grandparent stated
Uhhh in Louisiana it’s called Department of Children and Family
Services. In Texas it’s called CPS. Uhh there were issues that involved
them.
A common answer also seen was that the parents were not involved or
the grandparent had asked for the grandchild (ren). One grandparent said
“Oh I just asked for her!” Yet another said “Umm they stay with me. My
daughter live with me. So I just take care of both of them.” A less common
reason was that the mother was young when she had the child and wanted
to finish school.
Most grandparents did not have legal custody of their grandchild
(ren) (see Table 7).
Table 7. Legal Custody of Grandchildren by Grandparent Caregivers
Type of Custody Frequency Percentage
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 22
None 10 66.7%Full Legal 2 13.3%
Guardianship 1 6.7%Joint 1 6.7%
Unsure 1 6.7%
One of the most common challenges for grandparents raising
grandchildren was the difference in activity level. One grandparent said
“She’s real active, I know that. She’s always tearing stuff down.” Another
grandparent said “He’s always active.” Yet another said “Activity level.
Their activity level as opposed to my activity level.”
Another common challenge for grandparents raising grandchildren is
behavioral issues and included descriptions of acting out, snapping, into
things, talking back and even the child calling the state when disciplined.
One grandparent described it as such
She getting older and now she, you know how they get, they want to
talk back and snap at you. That’s about it.” Another grandparent having
issues with the grandchild calling the state said
When she don’t want, I don’t let her maybe go and spend nights. Well
I don’t let her spend nights because the mother works; there’s nobody
there to watch her. She don’t like to do anything, but like I said I do
believe in discipline. I’m not quick on it, but I do. And she calls the
state when I do discipline her. And I’ve had them come out twice.
That’s my main problem.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 23
Another common challenge for grandparents raising grandchildren is
financial including difficulties, lack of resources, and having only a part-time
job or no job. One grandparent said “I mean I do need to try to find me a
little part time job for something I would love to do.” Another grandparent
said “Ummm and then just general resources. There are none available as
far as I know in Shreveport.” Other challenges mentioned were scheduling
conflicts and the grandparent’s poor health.
When asked what the most fulfilling part of raising their grandchild
(ren) was the most common answers were everything and happiness. Other
common response were knowing the grandchild (ren) were learning, they
were safe and raised right, watching them grow, and listening to them. One
grandparent saying
Oh God, the most fulfilling part about that is just everything.
Everything because he’s umm loveable; he’s loveable. Wow, he’s, uh
he’s very openly and joyful, playful and he has lots of talents. Yea, lots
of talents, so its joyful with that part.
Another example is one grandparents saying
Well there is a child come up to learn and you teach different things
and education is number one and learning you know of growing up.
For a child to learn. And to raise a child the proper way. I feel like
that’s a good thing, long as the child being raised properly.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 24
Less common responses included getting a second chance and the
grandhild’s involvement in church.
When the participants were asked if they were aware of services in
the area for grandparents raising grandchildren, most were unaware of any
(see Table 8).
Table 8. Grandparent Caregivers Awareness of Resources in Shreveport,
LA
Aware Frequency PercentageNo 12 80%Yes
Food pantry 1 6.7%Unable to identify 2 13.3%
Most participants were not currently receiving any services at the time of
the study. However, of those who were, the most common service received
was food stamps (see Table 9).
Table 9. Services Currently Received by Grandparent Caregivers
Services Received Frequency PercentageNo 7 46.7%Yes
Food stamps 6 40%Food pantry 1 6.7%
Social Security from 1 6.7%Check for autism 1 6.7%
The most common resources needed or wanted by the participants included
money or finance, food stamps, and clothes. One grandparent said “Yea,
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 25
financial like food stamps.” Another said “Some more money…you know so
we can get you know I can help daughter get clothing, feed her.” Yet
another grandparent said
I’d say just different things that they you know have needed as far as
clothing and things in school different fees and things like that.
Other resources needed or wanted included help with utility bills, Medicaid
for self, home improvement, support groups, legal resources, housing, and
transportation.
When the participants were asked if they were aware of any groups in the
area for grandparents raising grandchildren, most were unaware of any.
One participant said she was aware of one; however, she was unable to
identify it when prompted. When asked if the participants would be willing
to join a support group for grandparents raising grandchildren most agreed
that they would. Of the two who said they would not join a support group,
one said it was due to time limitations. Of the five who said maybe to join a
support group, two said it was due to time limitations and one said it was
due to health reasons (see Table 10).
Table 10. Grandparent Caregivers Awareness of Groups in Shreveport, LA
and Willingness to Join a Support Group
Response Frequency PercentageAware
No 14 93.3%Yes 1 6.7%
Willing to Join
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 26
Yes 8 53.3%No 2 13.3%
Maybe 5 33.3%
When participants were asked if a resource information pamphlet
would be useful to them most responded that it would. However two were
uncertain responding with “I think so” and “probably,” and one person
agreed that it would be useful if it were in Spanish. When participants were
asked if a resource center would be useful to them most responded that it
would. One said that it possibly would and one said that it would not be
useful to them (see Table 11).
Table 11. Grandparent Caregivers in Response to the Usefulness of
Resource Information Pamphlets and a Resource Center
Response Frequency PercentageInformation
Yes 12 80%Uncertain 2 13.3%In Spanish 1 6.7%
Resource CenterYes 13 86.7%No 1 6.7%
Maybe 1 6.7%
When the participants were asked for suggestions for either the
information pamphlets or a resource center almost half had none. However
some suggestions for the pamphlets included information on partial
payments like for home improvements, utility bills help, part-time jobs, legal
help, clothes, food, information on handling changes in today’s teenagers,
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 27
and having a Spanish version. For the resource center suggestion included
it being located in Shreveport, having activities for parents with kids,
somewhere for grandparents to get together and do activities with
grandchildren, support groups for the grandchildren, and being open
weekends, Saturday mornings specifically. Another suggestion that was
brought up was having a website that provided this information.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 28
Discussion
Resource Information
Resource information developed into a directory and pamphlets
included sections for academics, application centers, behavioral health,
bills, cash assistance, child support enforcement, clothing, counseling,
dental care, disaster services, education, employment training, family
planning, financial assistance, food, HIV/STI testing, home improvement,
housing, immunizations, information and referral, job placement, legal,
medical care, medical equipment, optometry, pharmacy, prescription
assistance, rehabilitation and therapy, screenings, support groups,
transportation, vital records, WIC. Other less common resources included
phones, medical alert program, mentoring and support, sports and
recreation, Haven Houses and Friendship Houses. The directory was
provided to the director of MLK as well as the director of the MPH program.
The pamphlets were provided to the participants through MLK. Also, the
electronic version of the pamphlets were provided to the staff of MLK to be
provided to their other clients as needed.
Limitations
Limitations for this study include it having a small sample size,
utilizing convenience sampling, it lacked control group, and only a single
informant was utilized. The sample size included only 15 participants.
However, no new information was being attained from the later interviews;
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 29
therefore, it could be argued that for this population saturation had been
reached. Convenience sampling was utilized due to its availability and
access to entry by the researcher. Another study utilizing the same
interview questions could find very different results from another
population in Shreveport, LA. Only a single informant was utilized in this
study. More information could be attained by speaking with the
grandchildren, spouse’s, and even the organizations providing services in
the area.
Bias
Biases that could present in this study include positive response bias,
social desirability bias, and interviewer bias. Positive response bias includes
the participant answering in the way they believe the interviewer wants
them to rather than truthfully. Social desirability bias would be if the
participant did not include information about the parents being on drugs or
the government being involved because they see it as not socially
acceptable. Interviewer bias can occur if the interviewer inadvertently gives
the participant the answer in the question or if the interviewer hears only
what he/she wants to hear.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 30
Conclusions and Future Study
In conclusion, the fifteen participants from MLK provided valuable
insight into the life of a grandparent caregiver in Shreveport, LA. It is
obvious that there are resources lacking to the participants and hopefully
the resource directory and pamphlets will begin to bridge the gap between
resources and those who need them.
While this is a start, more expansive and further in-depth research is
needed in Shreveport, LA and should include interviews with the
organizations identified as community resources as well as quantitative
data.
Support groups were identified in the literature review as beneficial to
grandparents raising grandchildren and the majority of participants in the
study responded that they would be interested in joining a support group.
Information on convenient locations and times would need to be
determined, as well as any information that the grandparents would want to
learn about or be included.
Collaboration and partnerships within and between community
resources could be beneficial for grandparents raising grandchildren.
Furthermore, a resource center, a one-stop-shop to provide information,
referrals, and help navigate the system of resources available was
supported by the participants of the study and could continue to bridge the
gap between resources and those who need them.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 31
Another suggestion from one participant was a website that would
provide the information on resources. A website could help because most
individuals have access to computers and internet now. Also, having a
website could help with those participants who noted having time
constraints or poor health as barriers to support groups and/or a resource
center.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 32
References
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relatives raising
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Bigbee, J. L., Boegh, B. V., Prengaman, M., & Shaklee, H. (2011). Promoting
the health of
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Journal for
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web-based fact
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professionals who
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(5), 366-374.
Cornelius, J. B., LeGrand, S., & Jemmott, L. S. (2009). African American
grandfamilies’
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 33
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Lo, M., & Liu, Y. (2009). Quality of life among older grandparent caregivers:
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GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 36
Appendix A
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Shreveport, LA: Challenges and Resources
Consent Form
What is the project?
This project is a research study on the experience of grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, Louisiana. The purpose of this project is to:
Identify the challenges faced by grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, LA
Identify the resources available currently to grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, LA
Identify resources needed, which are not currently available, by grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, LA
You are being asked to participate in this project because you have been identified as a grandparent caregiver in Shreveport, LA.
What will you be asked to do for the project?
If you agree to take part in the project, you will be asked to participate in a one-on-one interview with the researcher. The interview will be recorded audibly. The interview will help determine:
The challenges faced by grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, LA The resources currently available to grandparent caregivers in
Shreveport, LA The resources needed by grandparent caregivers in Shreveport, LA
Do you have to take part in the project?
You do not have to participate in the project. Participating in the project is your decision alone. You can stop participating in the project at any point. If you do not want to participate, or decide to stop participating, you will not suffer any repercussions.
What will you get out of participating in the project?
Participation in this project is voluntary and you will not be paid.
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 37
Are there risks to taking part in the project?
Participating in this project will not put you at any risk. Participation may be uncomfortable at times due to sharing your experiences as a grandparent caregiver.
Are there any costs in taking part in the project?
The only cost for this study is in the form of giving your time for the interview.
Is what I say during the interview and focus group confidential?
The information you will share with us if you participate in this study will be kept completely confidential to the full extent of the law. Your name will not be disclosed. Any information that you will share with us will not be assigned to your name but rather it will be assigned to a number. The information you provide will be analyzed by the researcher and reviewed by research advisor Dr. Emmanuel Clottey. Study findings will be presented only in summary form to students and faculty of Louisiana State University in Shreveport Public Health Program and your name would not be used in any report.
Who is responsible for the project?
The principal investigator is Lish’a Bond, a student of the Master of Public Health program at LSU Shreveport and LSU Health Science Center Shreveport. If you have any questions about this study, please contact Lish’a Bond at 318-366-8243 or [email protected]. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact Dr. Emmanuel Clottey at 318-797-5114 or [email protected].
This project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of LSU Shreveport.
Agreement Statements:
Do you have any questions about the project? (Circle one)
Yes No
Do you agree to take part in the project? (Circle one)
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 38
Yes No
Appendix B
Practicum Interview Questions
Interview Questions (10-20 mins):
1. May I ask why you are here today?2. How old are the grandchildren you care for?3. How long have you been caring for them?4. Do your grandchildren have health insurance?5. Do your grandchildren see a doctor? If so, would you mind telling me
about that?6. Are you aware of services in the area for grandparents raising
grandchildren?7. What services or resources do you currently receive to help raise
them?8. Are you aware of any groups in the area for grandparents raising
grandchildren? If so, do you belong to a social support group for grandparents raising grandchildren? If not, would you find a support group helpful for you?
9. What happened for you to take responsibility for your grandchildren’s care?
10. Do you have legal custody of your grandchildren?11. What are the difficulties or frustrations you face with raising
your grandchildren?12. What is the most fulfilling about raising your grandchildren, or
what do you get out of it that is good?13. What resources do you think would be helpful in raising your
grandchildren?14. Would a resource information pamphlet or booklet, with
information on who provides, where they are located, and how to receive the resources, be helpful to you?
15. Would a resource center for grandparents raising grandchildren be useful to you?
GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN 39