title: A Qualitative Examination of Barriers for Urban and Rural Custodial Grandparents.
abstract: Focus groups were conducted with 33 community dwelling, urban and rural, custodial grandparents to explore their willingness to comply with a behavioral intervention targeting improving their well-being and financial management. Most participants were African American (91%), female (79%) and middle-aged. Major themes included: 1) inability to access social services; 2) legal assistance; 3) emotional well-being; 4) problems related to the parents of grandchildren; and 5) identification of structured activities for grandchildren. Findings suggest custodial grandparents underutilize services. Future research should address methods to enhance grandparents' utilization of resources facilitated via a peer navigator system along with policy level changes.
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama, Department of Psychology and Center for Mental Health and Aging, 364B Gordon Palmer Hall, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-3048, mrcrowther@ua.edu.
authors.forename: Martha R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Crowther
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing and Center for Mental Health and Aging.
authors.forename: Cassandra D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.affiliation: Western Kentucky University.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Peterson
keywords: African Americans; caregivers; grandparents; rural