Kinship caregivers do not typically receive as much training, financial support, or legal guidance as caregivers who are not relatives, which can make it a very difficult transition when they welcome children into their care. The following resources examine the impact of caregiving on relatives raising kin and discuss steps caregivers can take to protect their health, manage stress, and safeguard their own emotional stability.
Caregiver Stress and Burnout
HelpGuide.org
Describes the demands of caregiving and provides advice on how to handle stress, signs and symptoms of stress and burnout, and suggestions on ways to feel more empowered and get appreciation. The site also offers resources and references for preventing caregiver burnout.
Could Caring for Your Grandchildren Help You Live Longer?
Goodchild van Hilten (2017)
Elsevier Connect
Explains how grandparents who provide care for their grandchildren live longer than those who don't. These findings, from a study using more than two decades of data, may be particularly significant for older people who are socially isolated. The study shows that they should engage in more social behavior.
Mental and Physical Health Effects of Family Caregiving
American Psychological Association (2021)
Examines the potential negative effects of caregiving stress on mental and physical health and the possible psychological benefits of caring for a family member.
Responding to the Challenges of Kinship Care
Ohio Family Care Association
Discusses the challenges kinship caregivers may feel during this change in their life and the demands of caring for a child.
Taking Care of Yourself
National Alliance on Mental Illness (2019)
Describes how caregivers who take good care of themselves are better able to care for others. The resource discusses stress, the importance of physical health, how to recharge, positive mental health habits, and more.