The chronically ill grandparent in minority multigenerational family households: problems and solutions from three points of view.

The Interactional Model of Family Systems was used as a basis for exploring the problems of the chronically ill grandparent from three points of view: the elder family member, the adult child, and the grandchild. A descriptive correlational study was utilized to collect data on a purposive sample of 10 minority families recruited from the Montgomery County Council of the National Council of Negro Women, personal contacts of the investigators, and referrals from a family physician who treats the chronically ill elder members. Data was obtained on the family environment, perceived support, physical health, and a variety of open-ended items dealing with specific difficulties and coping strategies. Findings identified ambivalent feelings, contradictory statements, and some dissatisfaction about their relations with other family members, not feeling needed, not having enough to do and feeling lonely. This information can be useful in designing and implementing a counseling intervention model for groups of multigenerational families who have similar situations and needs.