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Grandparents as Caregivers

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LEAD: Many of us look forward to having children and raising a family. But, few of us anticipate raising our children’s children. For the first time ever, Census 2000 began collecting data on grandparents as caregivers. Terri Allen reports from Washington.
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NARRATOR: New information shows nearly 6 million grandparents lived with grandchildren under age 18 in 2000. Louis Kincannon, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau.
Kincannon:
  “More than one-third of grandparent caregivers lived in “skipped generation” households…that is…where no parent was present.”
NARRATOR" Because most people don’t expect to become the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, they face a variety of complex issues; raising an expanded family on a limited income, adequate housing, declining personal health. Donna Butts is Executive Director of Generations United.
Butts:
  "The unexpected responsibility of raising children later in life can have dramatic consequences. These numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau are crucial for evaluating the supports necessary to help keep the families intact."
NARRATOR: Providing services for caregivers is not just a matter of supporting those who care for our children, it’s making sure our children grow up with the quality of care they deserve. In Washington, I’m Terri Allen.

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Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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(301) 763-3030
Last Revised: October 16, 2003 at 10:22:02 AM

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