How a surrogate grandmother can support families

Family growth through borrowed grandmother

The “Leihoma” concept has existed in Germany for around 20 years, in Great Britain and the USA a little longer. In principle, it works as follows: Seniors who feel physically and mentally fit are placed with families as volunteer grandmothers. The mediated surrogate grandmother should enjoy working with children and be happy to support you with childcare. In return, she gets some family connections because she herself has no grandchildren or their own live very far away.
By the way: Of course, there are also loan grandparents who do voluntary work and are happy to be part of the family.

Support from the borrower

The loan grandma supports you in situations in which “real” grandparents usually offer their help. She can take your kids…

• pick up from the kindergarten
• supervise when you are not there
• visit to read to them, play, sing or do handicrafts with them
• accompany them to the playground or take them on a little excursion

Please note: A loan grandmother is not a substitute for regular childcare, for example from a childminder or daycare center . It is not there to enable you to work or to do household chores.

Leihoma is not a babysitter

Although the primary task of the surrogate grandmother is to look after your children, you should not equate her with a babysitter . She doesn’t come for the money, but first and foremost for the children. Unlike a babysitter, she doesn’t just show up on call either. Instead, she visits your family at regular intervals because she wants to be integrated into the family in the long term.

This is how you find a surrogate grandmother

Before you look for a loan grandmother, you should be clear about the requirements she has to meet. Should it be sporty because your child moves a lot? Or should she be able to help with the homework? We have summarized where you can find a loan grandma:

• Placement service: You can contact charitable associations and organizations such as mothers’ centers, workers’ welfare, the German Red Cross, the Diakonie or Caritas to find a loan grandma. In an organized placement, both parties first fill out a questionnaire about their wishes and expectations. Then the agency will look for a suitable surrogate grandmother for your family. Face-to-face meetings follow to determine if the chemistry between the two parties is right. Mutual trust and sympathy are important prerequisites.
• Internet: You can also easily search for a loan grandmother on the Internet. You can look at the individual profiles on numerous platforms at your leisure and get in touch with a suitable candidate. At a personal meeting you will then determine whether she is right for you and your family.

The cost of a loan grandma

The regulations regarding the costs for a loan grandma are different. Sometimes the seniors work on a voluntary basis, but small fees may apply. At the very least, you should reimburse her for travel expenses.