Families come in all shapes and sizes, and in some households, grandparents play a central role in raising the next generation. Nearly 8M children in the United States live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives, often referred to as “grandfamilies.”1 This includes 35% of children in foster care who are being raised by a relative.
Grandparents bring love, stability and connection to their families, but they also face unique challenges. Research shows that grandparents raising grandchildren may experience higher rates of physical and mental health concerns, financial strain and limited access to social supports.2 For example, seniors living with a grandchild are significantly more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those without grandchildren in the home, a factor that can directly affect overall health and chronic disease prevention.3
Supporting and celebrating grandfamilies
UnitedHealthcare Community & State recognizes the impact that grandparents and grandfamilies have in building strong, healthy communities. In honor of Grandparents Day on September 7 and Grandparents Appreciation Month in September, we are committed to providing both celebration and support.
One way we’re doing this is through the Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health, a no-cost resource that offers:
- Tips for making healthy meal choices
- Ideas to save on grocery costs
- A preventive care checklist
- Fun activities to enjoy quality family time
We’re also bringing communities together by supporting Celebrate Grandparents community events in cities across the country, including Phoenix, Tampa, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Cleveland and Dallas. These family-friendly gatherings offer activities, healthy snacks, helpful resources and the opportunity to connect with others in a welcoming environment.
Our ongoing commitment
Health is about more than just medical care, it’s about the whole person, and the bonds between generations are a powerful part of well-being. Whether it’s providing resources to help families thrive or creating spaces for them to come together, UnitedHealthcare Community & State is proud to support grandparents and their grandkids.
To learn more or download the Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health, visit celebrategrandparents.com.
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