Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Systematic Review

Introduction Grandparents raising grandchildren are an underserved population at risk for poor health and well-being due to the stress and financial burden of unexpected caregiving later in life.Methods Using Cochrane methodology and PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ERIC the review was performed. Included studies were peer-reviewed, published from 2000 to 2025, conducted in the United States, involving grandparents as primary caregivers, and reporting grandparent outcomes. Interventions had to fall within the scope of occupational therapy. Risk of bias was assessed by study design, and findings were synthesized narratively.Results Twenty-four studies were included. Interventions included interdisciplinary approaches, resourcefulness training, case management, empowerment, health and wellness, support groups, social intelligence, parenting, and biofeedback.Discussion Although evidence quality was generally low, the number of studies strengthened confidence in the findings. Six of the nine intervention categories demonstrated moderate-strength evidence and warrant consideration in clinical practice.