As more grandparents are charged with increased childcare responsibilities during the pandemic, they need updated information for raising and caring for grandchildren. The landscape of child caring and child rearing looks very different from when most older adults raised their own children. The Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee has created tips for grandparents who may be faced with the new reality of childcare, at-home schooling, and technology challenges. Here are some ideas to help you or someone you may know:
- Take good care of yourself. Be sure to eat healthy, take medications as prescribed, keep your own healthcare appointments and get enough sleep.
- The Relative Caregiver Program is available in several Middle Tennessee counties. They provide emergency financial assistance, support groups, respite services, and enrichment for grandparents and children. Their services are available through New Vision at (615) 445-8711 or Family and Children’s Service at (615) 340-9729 or (615) 340-9725.
- Education and technology go hand-in-hand, but many of us may not consider ourselves tech savvy. For free tech support in Nashville, call the Asurion company at 1-866-463-3773.
- Council on Aging’s Empowering Grandparents: A Guide for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is available online (https://directory.coamidtn.org/ebooks/empowering-grandparents-a-guide-for-grandparents-raising-grandchildren) and in print. This guide provides resources for legal, financial, custody, and emotional support.
Helpful websites for additional information:
- www.Grandfamilies.org
- Various pages on the AARP site:
Grandparent Information Center
https://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/families/gp_visitation_faq.pdf
Raising Grandchildren: Support
https://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/info-08-2011/grandfamilies-guide-support.html - Support for Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren
https://www.moneygeek.com/financial-planning/support-for-grandfamilies/
If you have questions about additional resources or want to request a print copy of the Empowering Grandparents guide, contact the Council on Aging helpline at (615) 353-4235. We champion positive aging and collaborative solutions!
