Page 18 - 2018 Conway Senior Expo

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2018 SENIOR EXPO • RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE

“You were designed for HOPE! c hi r o p ra ct i c c a re ho n o rs
th e h ea l t h w ith i n y ou !”

Raising grandchildren can be complicated, but the practice has recently become more prevalent. It can take time for these new family units to find their grooves.
Taking care of kiddos
Grandparents called on to raise grandchildren
Older adults whose children have grown up often look forward to the next stages in life, which may involve retirement,
downsizing and enjoying visits with their grandchildren. A growing number of aging adults may find themselves playing a key role in their grandchildren’s lives.
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2.7 million grandparents across the country are stepping into parental roles for their grandkids. Some assist their adult children, while others have become the primary caregivers. Factors such as military deployment, illness, incarceration and substance abuse are forcing grandparents to take on responsibilities they may have thought
were over. PBS reports that from 2009 to 2016, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States rose by 7 percent.
Although raising the next generation can bring about many rewards, including security, sense of purpose, a deeper relationship with family, and social interaction, there are many obstacles as well. That includes the financial strain that raising children can place on individuals unprepared for the cost of child-rearing. Census figures also show that about one-fifth of grandparents caring for children have incomes that fall below the poverty level. Grandparents may be rusty concerning safety requirements and equipment now
10% PRICE BEAT
*Must have itemized treatment plan from licensed Dentist for identical services. (excludes government and charity subsidized plans)

DDS Conway | 635 Dave Ward Dr. • Suite 101 • Conway, AR 72034