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Abstract
Aims: Parental substance misuse is one of the main reasons why grandparents become involved in the care of their grandchildren. This study discusses the key dilemmas faced by a group of such grandparents.
Methods: A qualitative study, involving individual interviews and group discussions, with 21 grandparents in one English city.
Findings: Three key dilemmas, which the grandparents faced as a result of caring for grandchildren affected by parental substance misuse, are explored, namely dual identities as parents and grandparents, maintaining bonds between grandchildren and their parents and communicating with grandchildren about parental substance misuse. This will be followed by a brief exploration of the support which the grandparents had received in relation to the substance misuse and what they said they would find helpful.
Conclusions: Grandparents, regardless of the nature of care they provide to grandchildren, can experience particular challenges when they become involved in their grandchildren's care because of parental substance misuse. An improved framework of response might ensure that the full potential to grandchildren of grandparent care is realized, and for grandparents to be able to provide this care at minimal sacrifice during their later years.