Grandmothers' transitions in caregiving to grandchildren.

Many grandmothers experience transitions in their caregiving roles to grandchildren as living arrangements change and parents assume more or less responsibility. The meanings of these transitions have received little attention, yet life transitions can be stressful. This qualitative study focuses on learning how grandmothers perceive these changes in household composition and the meanings these changes have. Analysis of semistructured telephone interviews with 26 transitioning grandmothers identified themes, including mixed feelings, changes in personal freedom, flexibility with unpredictable changes, spirituality as strength, commitment to grandchildren, and role transformation. The majority of status changes were from multigenerational or primary caregiving homes to non-co-resident status. The meaning of the changes differed by status groups. The frequency of caregiving changes and the unique meanings of such changes extend our understanding of grandmothers as caregivers. Increased awareness and understanding of these meanings are important for nurses as they provide health care for this increasing population.