ABSTRACT

It is well documented in the literature that grandparents often experience diffculties and challenges when assuming responsibility for rearing grandchildren. Despite the fact this area of inquiry received much attention, it is necessary for researchers and practitioners to move towards a strengths-based practice approach when researching and working with grandparent caregivers. As a result, data from 15 grandparent caregivers who participated in face-to-face interviews or focus group discussions about their health were analyzed utilizing the constant comparison approach. Analysis resulted in patterns and codes supporting grandparent caregivers' self-care practices. For example, grandparents did not dwell on health related challenges. Instead, they emphasized their self-care practices as they relate to physical and emotional health, and social support. Grandparents spoke about the importance of proper diet and exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, such as sobriety. They also believed they had a positive attitude and refected this when they stated they were happy and upbeat. Many grandparents spoke of the fact they were blessed to have a second chance at parenting and that they recognized other grandparents they knew had it more diffcult than they did. Following the strengths-based approach, when practitioners work with grandparents it is important that they work collaboratively and in partnership with grandparents and their grandchildren. This is perhaps one of the most basic principles, yet practitioners often overpower the narratives of grandparents with their expertise. We propose in our chapter that the strengths-based practice approach focuses on partnering with grandparents in order to support existing self-care practices, coping skills, fostering their hopes and dreams, and promoting positive health and wellness.