Kinship Caregivers

Current Newsletter

Who Are Kinship Caregivers?

Kinship caregivers have many faces, but most typically are grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings and family friends. For a wide variety of reasons, they have stepped in to be the temporary or permanent caregivers for some of our Greene County children. In some cases, parents have died or been injured and, in many other cases, parents cannot fulfill their responsibilities because of substance abuse or incarceration. For others, the reasons are too complex to explain. 

Why Has The Greene County Council on Aging Taken On This Effort?

Although many of these caregivers are not seniors, the aging network has been looking at this issue for quite some time. As the number of grandparents raising grandchildren has increased, many have made their way to various senior service organizations seeking information and support. With caregivers as a primary group served by the Council, it was a natural fit to include kinship caregivers in those assisted by the Council.

What Assistance Is Available?

1. Kinship Navigator - The Council has a professional “Kinship Navigator” available to grandparents and other kinship caregivers. The navigator is an advocate, provides information and support, and assists with “navigating” caregivers through the various systems, such as health care, schools, legal services, Job and Family Services and the courts. Caregivers are encouraged to call the Kinship Navigator, at 937-376-5486 or 1-888-795-8600 (ext 119), with questions and concerns. If an answer is not readily available, it will be researched and the caregiver will receive a return phone call. The Navigator is available by phone, e-mail, in-office appointments and home or other location visits.

2. Monthly Support Group - All grandparents and other kinship caregivers are welcome to participate in a monthly group.  If needed, arrangements will be made for on-site childcare. 2nd Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Faith Community United
   Methodist Church, 100 Country Club Drive, Xenia, Ohio. Call the Council at 937-376-5486 for more information.

3. Kinship Education Series  - Informative programs with local experts share information on legal and financial issues, community resources and support, childcare, relationships and caring for the caregiver. 

4. Caregiver Tune-Up - The Council coordinates a Caregiver Tune-Up twice a year for both kinship caregivers and caregivers of older loved ones. These tune-ups are full day retreats, designed to focus on the true well-being of these caregivers. They are free and include informational sessions, motivational speakers, special treatments such as massage and reflexology, lunch and gifts.

5. Caregiver Resource Center - A Resource Center has been put together at the Council’s office. Books, videos, articles and other information is available for loan to local caregivers. Computers will also be available to caregivers for researching additional information via the Internet.