"Who is going to take care of these grandkids if I go?": End-of-life planning by caregivers in grandparent-headed households

Death Stud. 2023;47(3):268-278. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2052205. Epub 2022 Mar 25.

Abstract

This qualitative study applied thematic analysis to semi-structured interviews with 15 key informants who self-identified as primary caregivers to at least one grandchild. Using Family Systems Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior as guiding frameworks, this study reports grandparent caregivers' end-of-life planning behaviors while illuminating factors influencing these behaviors. The analysis revealed two themes related to grandparents' communicative behaviors surrounding end-of-life planning (formal and informal behaviors) and four themes related to factors that influence grandparents' end-of-life planning (emotional paradoxes, legal/custodial conundrums, concerns about child wellbeing, and resources needed to plan). Findings extend end-of-life planning literature to often overlooked nontraditional family populations.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Child
  • Death
  • Family
  • Grandparents* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Intergenerational Relations