Too old to care? The report focuses on the experiences of older grandparents raising their grandchildren and highlights the challenges older carers face, including isolation, discrimination and poverty. Often they are managing very difficult relationships with the children’s parents. Most of the grandparents have limiting health conditions and many are providing care and support for an adult relative or partner. Many say they have asked for help from children’s services but not received what they needed . Others avoid contact because they fear the children they are looking after will be taken away.
Despite the challenges, they are able to provide children with love, stability and continuity of family relationships. The report finds that more tailored support is needed for older carers that they can access from trusted sources, including from voluntary organisations, children’s centres and schools. Download the full report.
