KINCARE SUPPORT

CHERISHED BONDING TIME by Gail Mitchell Gallagher

Published in the August 2020 issue of the Senior Times magazine.

Click HERE to read CHERISHED BONDING TIME in Senior Times.

There are over 2.4 million grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States today. In addition, there are relatives now stepping in to raise children when the grandparents are unable to do so because of health or financial issues.

This is a global phenomenon. Grandparents are changing their retirement plans, making u-turns, perhaps going back to work to bring in more money to parent again. Some need to quit work to stay home with little ones who are not yet in school. Many are low income or are disabled who are taking care of multiple children. Some are single grandmothers or grandfathers. Some are even great-grandparents.

Some have seen it coming, some have not. Some are dropped off on their front porch with just the clothes on their back. Some unsuspecting grandparents think that their grandchildren are there to simply visit but then are never picked up. Now, these grandparents are faced with finding beds, filling their kitchen cabinets and refrigerators with more food and making school arrangements. Medical and dental appointments will have to be made, not to mention buying clothes and necessities for what may be several children. Some of the children may have special needs.

Why is this happening? Parental drug addiction, mental illness, incarceration, teenage pregnancy, etc. Grandparents and relatives with loving hearts and sacrificial spirits do not want their precious children going into foster care. They do not look the other way, no matter if they are struggling financially or in ill health.

Mary, age 75 has MS. Her young granddaughter, age 6, was at risk of going into foster care because of a drug addicted mom. When someone told Mary she shouldn’t take on the responsibility of raising her granddaughter, she said, “She needs me and I need her.”

Ann, an unsuspecting grandmother living on a fixed income, was watching TV one evening when there was a knock at the door. A lady with Child Protective Services was holding a grandchild Ann did not even know she had. The lady told Ann that her daughter would be in drug rehab for a long time and the baby was now Ann’s responsibility. She gave Ann the baby and left. Ann looked down with dismay at the precious bundle in her arms, walked back into the house, sat in her rocking chair and knew her life would never be the same.

During this current surprise attack of the coronavirus, I know that some may feel panicky, alone and discouraged. But there is support and there are resources out there to help. These caregivers need to first call 211 and get direction as to where to go in their area. Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a great resource. Texas Area Agencies on Aging are there willing and ready to direct you as well. AARP is a great resource nationwide. Generations United in Washington, D.C. has a wealth of information. Hang in there. You are one of the heroes.