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Generations United’s New Report on Grandfamilies and COVID-19
Generations United’s new report, State of Grandfamilies, explains that older adults are being told to keep their distance from children because of the risk of infection and death due to COVID-19. However, it is nearly impossible for grandfamilies to maintain such distance.
In the report, the Hannah family shares their story. Mr. Hannah, 82, and his wife Shirley welcomed their daughter, Ashley, and her three boys—ages 5, 4, and 1—to move in with them. When Ashley tragically died from COVID-19, the Hannahs became the boys’ full-time caregivers.
The Hannahs are among Black and Native American grandfamilies who are disproportionally represented. Nearly half of grandparent caregivers, like Mel and Shirley, are over 60 years old.
This report seeks to bring awareness regarding the needs of grandfamilies exacerbated by the pandemic and includes recommendations for familial, local and state governments to build stronger systems of supports to help grandfamilies thrive during COVID-19 and beyond. Check out Generations United’s new report now!