Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 8 August 2010
By Susan B. del Bene, PhD, RN, CNS
ABSTRACT
More African American grandmothers are becoming caregivers for their grandchildren
when the parents are unable or unwilling to provide care. This qualitative study used
hermeneutic phenomenology based on in-depth interviews with 15 African American
women who have assumed the role of caregiver. The following themes, with subthemes,
emerged regarding this new role for the grandmothers: Finding a Voice to Match Medical
Needs, The Role of the Confidante: The Power of the Group, The Relationship with
the Biological Parents, and Legal Issues. These findings provide rich understanding of the
African American women and the challenges they face related to culture, race, lack of political
voice and power, and limited resources—in essence, the impact of marginalization
in society. The underlying point is the potential impact on this population and the degree
to which the health care profession can draw on an interdisciplinary model to frame, analyze,
and address future health care problems in marginalized African American women.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. del Bene is Associate Professor, Pace University, New York, New York.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
The author acknowledges the Pace University Scholarly Research Committee for their support and thanks Elise, Jenna, Carolyn, J.P., and Colin for their joy and Adria for her spirit.
Address correspondence to Susan B. del Bene, PhD, RN, CNS, Associate Professor, Pace University, Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038; e-mail: sdelbene@pace.edu.
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100330-01
