MEDICINE OUTSIDE THE BOX
Most grandparents had permanent custody and on average , had been caring for their grandchild for seven years .
The path to becoming a grandparent guardian typically required interaction with Child Protection and court proceedings . A third of the respondents felt the experience with Child Protection was positive . One grandparent described , “ They came to the house at first for quite some time , looked her over , up to toddler age , did developmental testing , it went pretty well .” Conversely , several grandparents reported communication challenges with Child Protection workers . Half of the grandparents felt that their experience with court was good . Others reported difficulties including expenses for court fees and legal representation as well as missing work for court obligations . Some grandparents verbalized frustration with Child Protection and the courts , feeling uninformed about caregiving options including the option to foster , which pays several hundred dollars more per month . They were later unable to change their placement category to seek those funds .
Finances were a frequent concern . Over half of grandparents worked either full or part time . Annual income for most households ( 10 ) was $ 40,000 or less - half of those households did not report receiving state funds such as Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program ( KTAP ). Five of the households reported annual incomes of $ 20,000 or less . Acknowledging that child-raising expenses could be daunting , grandparents sought multiple resources for support . Family , friends , church members and a few parents provided a network for access to clothing , housing , school expenses and childcare . Families generally cooked meals at home . Several sought meals at community centers and food banks . Five families received food stamps . Ongoing public-school meals were appreciated and used frequently . Stimulus monies and tax credits were helpful , but sometimes those monies went to the parents rather than the grandparents , the grandchildren not receiving any financial benefit . Most children had Passport medical insurance , which caregivers reported to be very effective for medical needs . Most grandparents had insurance via work or Medicare but were concerned about rising prices for co-pays , prescriptions , supplemental and work insurance plan costs . Grandparent health issues included liver problems , tremor , diabetes , stroke , heart disease , double bypass surgery , asthma , obesity , leg weakness with pain management , rash , arthritis with knee replacement , neck pain and surgery and kidney disease . Several grandparents reported they have not always put their health first . Upon inquiry , one grandfather laughed and said , “ We old .”
State monthly financial support for the grandchildren was variable . Several grandparents felt the amounts were not sufficient or equitable . Among the group , a large variation was noted in the amount of support given with a range of $ 186 total for one to two children through the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program ( KTAP ) to $ 700 each for two children with “ foster ” status and $ 700 each for survivor benefits for three children . Families had experienced loss of previously helpful funds including loss of kinship care money of $ 600-700 per month and others expressed frustration , as noted above , that they were not informed of all the options for support . 4
Grandparents reflected on resources that would be helpful : a bigger house for four growing teenagers , an outside play area for little ones rather than the apartment parking lot , a big brother role model and more money for clothes and general expenses . One grandparent who had taken in six grandchildren stated , “ Someone to help take them places … there are a lot of practices , I ’ m only one person … someone to help with activities .” And for the grandparents themselves : a grandparent support group , respite services and someone to help with financial and legal advice . One grandparent specified , “ An overall breakdown of what they would be eligible for … like food stamps … food can be overwhelming with six people . “
The grandchildren ’ s mental health was an ongoing worry . Grandparents referenced their grandchildren ’ s diagnoses and related issues including ADHD , autism , bipolar disorder , separation anxiety , difficulty sleeping , out of control behavior , bursts of anger , difficulty getting along with others , lying , stealing and cheating . All the affected children were receiving treatment . Other health issues for grandchildren were asthma , seizure , gastrointestinal disorder , high blood pressure , obesity , physical handicap and dental problems .
Grandparents shared a variety of challenges related to their caregiving situation . They lamented the loss of being a “ grandparent ,” now they ’ d become the designated parent 24 / 7 . They missed seeing their other grandkids as often . Some felt alone . One grandmother described dealing with her four grandchildren , each with different personalities , and worrying how to prioritize each one ’ s needs . She was reticent to discipline them . She felt she needed to work on their trust because adults had let them down . Another grandparent reported she was angry with her teen grandchild because she blamed her for all her problems . A third grandparent said , “ I love the kids , but I don ’ t like them , I feel sorry for them mostly .” One great grandmother spoke about her 7-year-old grandchild ’ s future . “ What would happen to him if there were no me ?”
Grandparents discussed putting their grandchildren ’ s well-being first , over their own son or daughter ’ s care . But they also reported providing what they could for their adult children in the way of money , food , transportation and housing , as they ’ re able . There was often concern how to navigate a healthy path for all family members , supporting the parent but protecting the grandchild . Some grandparents reported much needed child support was never received . Some reported they did not accept state assistance because they thought the parents would have to pay it back to the state , which would only create more complications . Grandparents expressed love , hope , faith , disappointment , frustration , grief and sometimes acceptance for and with their adult children ’ s choices in life . One grandparent summarized her range of emotions about her son : “ He comes and goes at my house . I am angry with him . I
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