America's grandparents are raising their grandkids and delaying retirement. Some expect to work until they die.

"Simonson, a single mother of five grown children, no longer considers herself a grandparent to her now-four-year-old granddaughter; she's the mom. She's up at 5:30 a.m., packing lunch, and doing her granddaughter's hair. She drives her to day care, then works from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After making her dinner, she tucks her granddaughter in by 8 p.m. Weekends mean laundry, cleaning, and food prep."

"Her granddaughter was born exposed to drugs and has poor vision, so much of her PTO goes toward caseworker meetings or trying to find proper medical care. Even securing baby formula was a struggle. It's left her with little time for herself and a limited social life. And given the costs, Simonson expects to work until she dies."

"Many said that because they worked at least part-time, there weren't as many opportunities to see or call their grandchildren. Many wish they could support their grandchildren's education and well-being, but with the rising costs of long-term care and daily expenses, any extra money goes toward savings. Some said they've been forced to choose between buying a birthday gift for their grandson and paying the water bill."

Dorenne Simonson, 66, became the primary caregiver for her granddaughter after her daughter could not care for the infant. Managing a demanding schedule of childcare, full-time work, and household responsibilities leaves her with minimal personal time and limited social life. Her granddaughter's health challenges from prenatal drug exposure require extensive medical appointments and caseworker meetings. Financial constraints force Simonson to work indefinitely, unable to save for retirement or provide extras. Many grandparents report similar experiences, deviating significantly from traditional grandparent roles. Rising costs of long-term care and daily expenses consume resources, forcing difficult choices between basic needs and supporting grandchildren's education and well-being.

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