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Special report: The rise in retirees caring for their grandchildren

Special report: The rise in retirees caring for their grandchildren

FIRST ON 7: The spiralling cost of childcare is forcing more Queensland grandparents out of retirement to take care of their grandchildren.

Now a new program is being trialled to help senior carers cope with the challenges.

Judith McLean quit her job and moved to the Gold Coast from New Zealand because her son and daughter-in-law could not afford childcare.

"It's really looking at supporting them until we can find something better,” she told 7News.

Ms McLean said while she enjoys seeing her grandchildren every day, she finds looking after them for 40 hours a week very demanding.

"Trying to keep her busy, so it is quite full on."

Ian Coombe, from Playgroup Queensland, said many grandparents are too polite to complain.

"Some of them have said that they had more time than they really wanted.”

Mr Coombe said even those caring for grandchildren part time need more support.

Experts have suggested carers join a playgroup to re-learn parenting skills and find out information about age-appropriate activities.

“[They’re] lacking the confidence and skills, and simply don't know how to play,’ Mr Coombe told 7News.

The federal government last week cut funding to support grandparent carers.

In response, Playground Queensland has announced it will launch its own pilot playgroup that is exclusively for grandparents.

It will offer support and provide a forum for carers to swap strategies.

"That builds the grandparent's confidence and it also builds the grandchildren's confidence in their grandparents,” Mr Coombe said.

For more details on the trial, contact Playgroup Queensland through their website.

National news break – April 27/region