Key facts
- Joann Ernst, 72, is delaying retirement to support her adult children and grandchildren.
- She is providing housing, financial assistance, and caregiving for her grandsons.
- Ernst is also paying the mortgage on a house in Connecticut for her son Jack and his children.
- She works 25 hours a week as a paid caregiver for her grandson with autism.
- Census data shows over 1.1 million US grandparents aged 60+ were part-time caregivers for grandchildren in 2024.
- Ernst stated she enjoys the role but is unable to retire and is spending down her retirement money.
Joann Ernst, 72, is delaying her retirement to provide extensive financial and practical support to her adult children and grandchildren. After her son Jack lost an arm in an accident, Ernst moved in with him and his sons for two years, taking a job in special education, paying his rent, and acting as a disciplinarian and caregiver. She recently moved back to Oregon to assist her daughter Joanna with her children, continuing the same level of support.
Ernst is currently paying the mortgage on her Connecticut home so Jack and his sons can continue to live there while she is in Oregon. She also works 25 hours a week as a paid caregiver for Joanna's son, who has autism, and provides him with financial assistance. Ernst expressed that while she enjoys her role, it prevents her from retiring and is depleting her retirement savings.
This situation reflects a broader trend, with Business Insider speaking to over 60 grandparents in similar circumstances. Census data from 2024 indicates that more than 1.1 million US grandparents aged 60 and older are providing at least part-time care for their grandchildren. These grandparents often act as financial and practical backstops for their adult children facing challenges such as illness, job loss, or addiction.