Abstract

This study sought to explore from a lived experience perspective the personal and social resources of grandparent carers of orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe, a high HIV pandemic country. Participants were thirty-one grandparents (mean age = 65.7; SD = 10.7 years), thirteen (42%) of whom resided in rural areas. Data on caregivers’ lived experiences were collected from grandparents using in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that personal resources of feelings towards care-giving, resilient coping strategies, spirituality, and satisfaction with carer roles were important to the carers’ lived everyday health and wellbeing. Significant social resources for the carers included their family and community networks for child support. The personal and social resourcing interact to influence lived health and wellbeing.