Nursery World - Call for more support for grandparents caring for disabled children

Grandparents who raise disabled children face unbearable financial hardship, health problems, isolation and a lack of support, according to a new report.

The study, I Wish I Could Just Be Grandma, reveals that 99 per cent of the 324 grandparents who took part are bringing up a disabled child full-time, 50 per cent have given up work or reduced their hours to take care of their grandchildren, and more than 60 per cent have a disability or chronic condition themselves.

One-third of grandparents said they wanted a break from caring and four out of five said they needed more financial help.

The report is by Family Fund, an independent grant-giving organisation that helps low-income families caring for a disabled child. Family Fund is calling on politicians and health service professionals to:

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