New funding aims to improve health outcomes for both older caregivers and the children they are raising
PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kinship families, sometimes referred to as grandfamilies, are families where grandparents, other relatives or close family friends are raising children whose parents are unable to do so. Today, Cambia Health Foundation announced nearly $280,000 in grant funding to support the health and well-being of older adults serving as primary caregivers in grandfamilies. This initiative addresses a critical but often overlooked demographic facing unique health challenges while raising relatives’ children.
«Older adults who unexpectedly become primary caregivers face tremendous physical and emotional challenges,» said Andrew Over, director of strategy and operations, Cambia Health Foundation. «These grants will help ensure these caregivers receive the support they need to maintain their own health while providing stable, loving homes for children.»
Nationwide, over 2.4 million children live in grandfamilies, 60% of whom live with grandparents. Because kinship placements primarily occur outside of the formal foster care system, most families are not eligible for foster care assistance programs. Research shows that kinship caregivers frequently experience chronic stress related to finances, children’s behavioral needs and navigating complex systems such as health care coverage, legal guardianship, financial support and more. This stress can cause or worsen serious health conditions including depression, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
Studies also reveal that with proper support, these caregiving arrangements can benefit everyone involved. Children in kinship care consistently show better social, emotional and behavioral outcomes than those in non-relative foster care because of the stability that kinship arrangements provide. Additionally, older adults in these caregiving roles often experience improved purpose and community connection compared to living alone, particularly when they receive adequate support.
The foundation’s grants will fund programs that support whole-person health for older adult kinship caregivers. Grantees are utilizing the funding to expand existing initiatives or pilot new programs that ultimately increase access to behavioral health services, support case management, connect kinship families to support groups and social activities, develop culturally-tailored support models and more.
Cambia Health Foundation is pleased to invest nearly $280,000 among the following organizations:
- Boise State University Foundation and Idaho Caregiver Alliance (Idaho)
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (Washington)
- Children’s Service Society of Utah (Utah)
- Family Education & Support Services (Washington)
- Impact NW (Oregon)
- Marimn Health (Idaho)
This funding initiative is part of the foundation’s strategic focus on Healthy and Connected Aging, which aims to increase behavioral health access and support whole-person health for older adults.
«By supporting the caregivers, we’re ultimately supporting the children,» added Over. «When kinship families receive sufficient resources, all generations have the opportunity to flourish together.»
For more information about Cambia Health Foundation and its initiatives, visit cambiahealthfoundation.org.
About Cambia Health Foundation
Cambia Health Foundation is the corporate foundation of Cambia Health Solutions, connecting the company’s philanthropic dollars to communities through nonprofit partners. Founded in 2007, the foundation has funded over $137 million in grants to advance patient and family centered care for all. We purposefully invest in ideas that expand access to behavioral health care to advance equity through whole-person health.
Contacts
For Cambia Health Foundation
Whitney Grisewood
503-412-7970
[email protected]
