Join us in celebrating Grandparents Appreciation Month
Today, I am blessed to be a grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. With this great role comes great responsibility. As a young mother on Medicaid, I faced many of the same challenges our members experience.
I was fortunate to rely on my parents during difficult times. They stepped in to care for my children when they were sick, allowing me to keep working without the fear of losing my job, especially during a time when remote work was uncommon.
My parents also provided financial support for unexpected expenses, helping me comfortably take care of my family when feeling the financial pinch. Reflecting on my parents’ role in helping me raise my children, I am deeply appreciative of their support.
Grandparents play a significant role in their grandchildren’s lives, providing love and support when it’s needed most. Nearly 8 million children in the United States live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives.1 In 38% of these households, neither of the children’s parents are present.
It’s especially important for grandparents who raise grandchildren to feel supported. Families in which grandparents serve as the head of the household are commonly referred to as “grandfamilies.”2 Due to the unexpected circumstances that lead children to be in the care of relatives, grandfamilies experience more physical health, mental health, social challenges and financial strain than other family units.3
Knowing where to access the right resources helped provide me with an extra push and much-needed support to keep my family healthy and give me a sense of empowerment to tackle new opportunities. To commemorate Grandparents Appreciation Month, UnitedHealthcare is celebrating and supporting grandparents and their families with events and educational resources that help establish lifelong healthy habits, educate communities about social services resources, save money on groceries and enjoy family time.4
Events and resources
Throughout September, UnitedHealthcare is hosting "Celebrate Grandparents" events in major U.S. cities including Houston, Phoenix, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Albuquerque and Tucson. These events invite family and friends to participate in fun activities, enjoy healthy snacks and access valuable health care resources.
In addition to these events, UnitedHealthcare Community & State has developed the “Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health.” This comprehensive guide is designed to assist families in making healthier meal choices, saving on grocery costs, addressing preventive and mental health care and discovering creative ways to enjoy quality family time.
A favorite pastime for my grandkids and me is enjoying activities I cherished as a child, like playing board games such as Perfection, Connect 4 and Jacks. I also love teaching them the songs and dances I learned in my youth. Family time offers a precious opportunity to pass down traditions to the next generation. Our guide includes ideas for grandfamilies to connect and enjoy quality time together without relying on technology.
I am honored to serve my community as the leader of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan in Virginia. Having walked a parallel journey to many of our members, I know that the communities we serve can benefit from a support system which includes the resources that UnitedHealthcare is providing. We are dedicated to helping the communities we serve live healthier lives.
UnitedHealthcare Community & State recognizes the critical role that grandparents play in raising happy, healthy children and we are committed to providing resources to help the health of grandfamilies. To access the “Grandfamilies Guide to Good Health” and learn more about how we celebrate and support grandparents, please visit grandparentsday.com.
