A typology of caregiver burden for custodial Black grandmothers

Previous studies of custodial grandparenting tend to aggregate population data or not distinguish custodial grandparenting experiences by race, even though research demonstrates that custodial grandparenting for Black grandmothers is compounded by intersectional disadvantages. Our aim is to contribute to the gerontologic health literature with a nuanced understanding of caregiver burden that captures the strains and joys of custodial grandparenting, more accurately representing the heterogeneous experiences of Black caregiving. Data for this analysis is derived from a mixed methods descriptive concurrent parallel design with 20 custodial Black grandmothers. Quantitative analysis included bivariate associations. Qualitative thematic analysis was used. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in parallel manner, analyzed independently, then aligned. We identified three distinct groups: High, Moderate, and Low Burden. Two-fifths of custodial Black grandmothers experienced low caregiving burden and one-quarter reported high burden which contrasts with research emphasizing the strains of caregiving for this population. Findings reveal diversity and significant variation in the caregiving experiences of Black grandmothers influencing, and influenced by, psychological and physical well-being. These findings also demonstrate meaningful sociodemographic differences across the three groups, supporting the typology of caregiver burden. The caregiver burden typology can be utilized to inform policy and support services, and as a starting point for future research to assess heterogeneity in custodial Black grandmother's experiences.