Project Healthy Grandparents
Scholarly Publications Continued
Kelley, S., Yorker, B., Whitley, D., & Sipe, T. (2001). A multimodal intervention for grandparents raising grandchildren: Results of an exploratory study. Child Welfare League of America, LXXX (1), 27-50.
Abstract
This article describes the results of an exploratory study of a multi-modal, home-based intervention designed to reduce psychological stress, improve physical and mental health, and strengthen the social support and resources of grandparents raising grandchildren. The six-month intervention included home visits by registered nurses, social workers, and legal assistants; the services of an attorney; and monthly support group meetings. The intervention resulted in improved mental health scores, decreased psychological stress scores, and increased social support scores. Participants also experienced improvement in the level of public benefits received and in their legal relationships with their grandchildren. Implications of these findings for practice are highlighted.
Whitley, D., Kelley, S., & Sipe, T. (2001). Grandmothers raising grandchildren: Are they at increased risk of health problems? Health & Social Work, 26 (2), 105-114.
Abstract
Many grandparents faced with the need to raise their grandchildren have health risks that could destabilize any family structure established for the child. This is especially problematic for grandparents of color who have higher health risk factors than their white counterparts. This article describes the physical and mental health status and behaviors of 100 African American grandmothers who are primary caretakers for their grandchildren. The findings suggest the physical functioning of the grandmothers is at a level that could jeopardize the quality of life with their grandchildren. In spite of their diminished physical capacity, the grandmothers reported that their emotional state is equal to or better than the general population. Suggestions for community practice are provided.