Grandparenting Children with Disabilities

Childhood disabilities, particularly cognitive disabilities, are on the rise, yet social programs and services to help US families respond to disabilities are not. This book based on in-depth interviews with grandparents who are providing at least some care to grandchildren with disabilities, aims to better understand the conditions, types, and intensities of care and support grandparents provide, and the impact on their social, emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. The authors highlight the systemic failures that leave families of children with disabilities without adequate support and place the most vulnerable at grave physical, emotional, and financial risk.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Childhood disabilities, particularly cognitive disabilities, are on the rise, yet social programs and services to help US families respond to disabilities are not. Many families turn to grandparents for assistance, juggling work, family responsibilities, and specialized therapies. This book is based on in-depth interviews with grandparents who are providing at least some care to grandchildren with disabilities. The analyses will help to better understand (1) under what conditions grandparents provide care and support, (2) what types and intensities of care and support grandparents provide, and (3) the impact of that care and support on grandparents' social, emotional, physical, and financial well-being.

In this fascinating and provocative book, Madonna Harrington Meyer and Ynesse Abdul-Malak take readers on a deep dive into the complex lives of grandparents who care for their disabled grandchildren. In Grandparenting Children with Disabilities, their interviews reveal the joy, meaning, and purpose grandparents find in caregiving, the challenges and frustrations they encounter, and the many ways they compromise their own health and well-being for the sake of their grandchildren. Drawing from theories of cumulative inequality and from their deep knowledge of the US policy context, the authors lay bare the systemic failures that leave families of children with disabilities without adequate support and that place the most vulnerable among them at grave physical, emotional, and financial risk.

Jane McLeod, Provost Professor, Indiana University, states that grandparents in the U.S. already take on far more parenting responsibilities as compared to their peers in other countries. Grandparenting Children with Disabilities demonstrates that the intensity of these responsibilities is correlated with the age of the grandchildren and the severity of their disabilities. The authors suggest that policymakers and service providers should prioritize the support of grandparents and provide them with the resources and training they need to care for their grandchildren effectively.

Furthermore, the book highlights the importance of community-based support systems, such as respite care and support groups, for grandparents who are caring for their disabled grandchildren. These systems provide grandparents with a much-needed break from their caregiving responsibilities and allow them to connect with other families who are going through similar experiences. The authors argue that by investing in these support systems, policymakers can help reduce the burden on grandparents and improve the overall well-being of families with disabilities.

In conclusion, Grandparenting Children with Disabilities is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and rewards of caring for disabled grandchildren. The book provides a wealth of information and insights that will help policymakers, service providers, and families navigate the complex landscape of disability and caregiving. By investing in support systems and policies that prioritize the well-being of grandparents, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all families.

Weight: 599g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030390570
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020