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Journal of Family Issues, Vol. 27, No. 7, 887-911 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0192513X05286019
© 2006 SAGE Publications

Grandchildren's Perceptions of Caring for Grandparents

Christine A. Fruhauf

Colorado State University

Shannon E. Jarrott

Katherine R. Allen

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Despite the fact that caregiving related issues are well researched in the field of family gerontology, the developmental experiences of grandchildren caregivers and the meanings of their caregiving experiences have not been explored. Influenced by the lifespan perspective and a constructionism lens, interviews were conducted with 17 grandchildren (ages 21 to 29 years old) who were currently providing care for a grandparent. Grandchildren cargivers reported that filial obligation and preparing for the future were how they made sense of their role. Grandchildren experienced benefits and costs from their caregiving role and developed coping mechanisms that allowed them to be successful caregivers. Professionals should include grandchildren in established caregiver support programs to recognize the generational needs of grandchildren caregivers in their 20s.

Key Words: caregiving • intergenerational relationships • life-span development • qualitative methods • semistructured interviews


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