"We want to help the growing number of older adults who face the challenge of raising a new family later in life," said Dowd Eisenhower. "We know that by helping the grandparents cope with this often unexpected responsibility, we are also helping the children who are under their care."
Pennsylvania ranks seventh among states in terms of the number of children living in grandparent-headed households, with more than 80,000 grandparents responsible for taking care of the basic needs of the children in their care. The number increases annually.
Grandparents who serve as primary caregiver to their grandchildren often experience a variety of emotional, legal and daily living challenges. In addition to being responsible for their grandchildren, they are likely dealing with their own children who may be troubled by a drug or alcohol addiction, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, incarceration or divorce.
The resource guide, presented as a six-part fact sheet, covers a wide range of information designed to assist grandparents whether or not they are new to raising grandchildren. Included are legal issues commonly faced by caregivers and a list of resources on where and how to find help when faced with kinship care concerns. The fact sheets also discuss the benefits of support groups and suggest ways to deal with family members and friends who may also be affected by the grandparent's role as caregiver. Additionally, the fact sheets include tips on how to successfully navigate the social services network.
"These older adults are faced with special circumstances that can be both rewarding and overwhelming at the same time, so we hope that they use the resource guide to help them navigate the many challenges of their new role," said Dowd Eisenhower.
The "Pennsylvania Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" resource guide can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Web site at http://www.aging.state.pa.us/ or by sending a written request to: Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Attention: Press Office, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919.
CONTACT: Anne C. Bale, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, +1-717-783-1549.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Aging
CONTACT: Anne C. Bale, Pennsylvania Department of Aging,
+1-717-783-1549
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.aging.state.pa.us/