For more information about the author, click to view their website: Right at Home
Strong
relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are more than just
heartwarming. They have been shown to contribute to better health, sharper
minds, and deeper emotional connections across generations.
“At Right at Home,
we’ve seen firsthand how relationships in grandfamilies (also called kinship
families) improve the quality of life for both older adults and younger family
members,” says Patti Walter, owner/operator at Right at Home
Northern Colorado
“As an in-home caregiving agency, we not only support day-to-day care but also
champion the kind of intergenerational connections that lead to healthier,
happier lives.”
Here’s why
nurturing the grandparent-grandchild bond matters—and how it helps at any age.
The Health
Benefits Go Both Ways
For grandparents:
Spending
meaningful time with grandchildren can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive
decline, and even chronic illness. Studies show that older adults who engage
regularly with younger generations report lower levels of loneliness and higher
life satisfaction.
Conversations and
shared activities also help keep the mind active. Whether helping with
homework, discussing current events, or sharing stories from the past, these
interactions stimulate memory, language, and problem-solving skills—all
critical for healthy aging.
For grandchildren:
The benefits
aren’t one-sided, says Walter “Grandchildren who have strong
relationships with their grandparents often show greater emotional
intelligence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity.” Grandparents offer
a unique kind of support—less authoritative than a parent, but still deeply
rooted in love and life experience.
In families where
grandparents help with caregiving—either regularly or as needed—children can
experience more stability, better behavior, and improved academic outcomes. And
even as teens or adults, grandchildren often gain valuable perspective from a grandparent’s
lived experience.
Mind the
(Communication) Gap
Of course, every
generation speaks its own “language.” Misunderstandings between grandparents
and grandchildren can happen, especially in today’s fast-moving digital
culture. But these gaps can be bridged with a bit of patience and intention.
Walter suggests some
tips for different generations to improve communication with each other:
Supporting Each
Other Through Care
In-home caregiving
often highlights how much grandparents and grandchildren lean on one another.
“Grands”—both generations—have been caring for each other more and more in
recent years. Adult grandchildren may step into caregiving roles, providing
companionship, managing medications, or helping coordinate care. On the flip
side, grandparents often remain active caregivers in their own
right—babysitting, offering financial support, or simply being a trusted
presence. These roles can be deeply rewarding, but also emotionally complex for
both parties.
Whether or not the
grands relationships include caregiving, there are many ways to support them:
Caregiving Equals
Connection
Grandparent-grandchild
relationships can be an important part of healthy aging and emotional
development for all involved. They remind us that caregiving is more than a
service; it’s a connection. At Right at Home, we’re
proud to support families in building and maintaining those connections, every
step of the way.
Need help supporting a grandparent or looking for ways to strengthen
intergenerational bonds? Our care team is here to help with personalized,
in-home services and expert guidance.
About Right at
Home of Northern Colorado
The Northern
Colorado office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise
office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Larimer and Weld
County. For more information, contact Right at Home of Northern Colorado at rightathome.net/northern-colorado
, at 970-494-1111 or by email at pwalter@ncoloradorah.com.
As you get older, health screenings and checkups become a more vital part of your overall well-being. Knowing which screenings to get after 50, and how often, will support early detection and effective treatment, while also helping you stay proactive about your health. To make being proactive even easier, weve created a handy preventive care guide filled with quick health tips and the information you need to stay on top of your health screenings. Click below to download your free health screening guide today -https://transformingage.org/mastering-your-health-after-50/- Call us today to learn more 720-505-5133.
Supporting independence is one of the best things we can do for the older adults in our lives. The summer months, filled with events and activities, offer great opportunities to revisit how were helping seniors stay empowered, without compromising safety.What Independence Really Looks LikeIt doesnt mean doing everything alone it means having the freedom to make choices, engage in meaningful routines, and feel in control. From choosing what to eat to deciding when to go for a walk, independence is deeply tied to dignity and mental wellness.Tools That Support Senior IndependencePersonal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): Allow seniors to summon help at the touch of a buttonMedication Dispensers: Help track daily doses and prevent missed or doubled medsVoice-Controlled Smart Devices: Can assist with reminders, music, and communicationTransportation Services: Ride-share apps or senior transit services can make errands and outings easierProfessional Services Can Help, TooIn-home care aides can support with personal care or light housekeepingMeal delivery services ensure regular nutrition without the burden of cookingDay programs or hobby groups promote mental stimulation and social interactionResources to Explore Support Options:Eldercare Locator A nationwide service connecting older adults and caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspxBenefitsCheckUp by NCOA A free, confidential tool to help older adults find benefits and support programs. https://www.ncoa.org/benefits-checkupAARP Technology Resources for Seniors Guides for using smart home devices, tablets, and safety tech. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/ Summer is a season of freedom and with the right supports in place, seniors can experience that freedom in ways that enrich their health, happiness, and quality of life. Call us today to learn more, 303-957-2555.
Right at Home is a licensed non-medical agency that provides in-home care to seniors through out Larimer and Weld counties.At Right at Home Northern Colorado, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate and reliable non-medical home care services tailored to the unique needs of seniors throughout Larimer and Weld counties. As a licensed and trusted agency, we specialize in delivering personalized in-home care that enhances the quality of life for our clients, ensuring they receive the support they need to maintain their independence and well-being in the comfort of their own homes.Our comprehensive range of non-medical home care services is designed to cater to various needs and preferences. Whether its running errands, meal preparation, companionship, or personal care, our dedicated caregivers are here to provide the highest standard of support. We understand that each individual has distinct requirements, and we are committed to creating customized care plans that address those specific needs effectively.Running Errands: Our caregivers can assist with a wide array of errands, from grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions to managing household tasks and appointments. This service ensures that seniors can continue their daily routines with minimal stress and without compromising their safety.Meal Preparation: Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining health and vitality. At Right at Home Northern Colorado, we offer meal preparation services that include planning, cooking, and serving nutritious meals tailored to dietary preferences and restrictions. Our caregivers are skilled in preparing balanced, delicious meals that cater to individual dietary needs.Companionship: Social interaction is vital for emotional well-being. Our compassionate caregivers provide companionship that goes beyond mere presence. They engage in meaningful conversations, participate in recreational activities, and offer emotional support, helping to combat loneliness and enhance overall happiness.Personal Care: For seniors who require assistance with daily personal care tasks, our caregivers offer respectful and professional support. This includes help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and other personal hygiene needs. We prioritize dignity and comfort while ensuring that all care is delivered with the utmost respect.At Right at Home Northern Colorado, we recognize that the decision to seek home care can be challenging. Thats why we offer a FREE in-home assessment to evaluate your specific needs and preferences. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that aligns with your requirements and provides the best possible care.Our caregivers are not only skilled and experienced but also undergo thorough background checks and ongoing training to ensure they meet our high standards of care. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe and supportive environment where seniors can thrive.To learn more about our non-medical home care services and how we can assist you or your loved one, please call 970-494-1111. We are here to provide the support you need, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you with our exceptional care services. At Right at Home Northern Colorado, your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities. Let us help you create a care plan that is as unique as you are.