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An exploration of loneliness: Communication and the social networks of older people with cerebral palsy
- Authors:
- BALLIN Liora, BALANDIN Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 32(4), December 2007, pp.315-327.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is a large body of research focusing on the experiences of loneliness of older adults, yet little is known about the loneliness experiences of older adults with lifelong disability. In this paper, the authors present some findings from a larger qualitative study on the loneliness experiences of older people with cerebral palsy. Seven older adults with cerebral palsy participated in in-depth interviews. Analysis of the interviews identified overarching themes and recurrent topics in the data. These topics were coded and then grouped under the overarching themes. Six themes were identified. All participants agreed that the themes of communication and social networks are most important when considering loneliness. In this paper, the participants' discussion of these two themes and their related topics are presented. The results demonstrate the need to provide support and training in communication to older people with cerebral palsy who experience communication difficulty, as well as to their communication partners. They also indicate the need for policy development to assist older adults with cerebral palsy to develop and maintain their social networks and form relationships that are rewarding and enriching.
‘If we are going to include them we have to do it before we die’: Norwegian seniors’ views of including seniors with intellectual disability in senior centres
- Authors:
- INGVALDSEN Anne Kristen, BALANDIN Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(6), November 2011, pp.583-593.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The relatively recent increase in the number of aged persons with intellectual disabilities is challenging concepts of inclusion and participation. The aim of this study was to identify senior centre users’ views of the barriers and solutions to the inclusion of seniors with intellectual disability in community senior centres. Thirty seniors (mean age 75.7 years, 23 women) without intellectual disability participated in one of four focus groups. Data were analysed for major themes. These included benefits, perceptions of people with intellectual disability, barriers and solutions to inclusion, need for support and need for information. There appears to be agreement that seniors with intellectual disability could benefit from being a senior centre user. However consideration needs be given to this group’s need for assistance, staff education, economic resources and ways to overcome negative community attitudes towards people with intellectual disability.
A case study about the supported participation of older men with lifelong disability at Australian community-based Men's Sheds
- Authors:
- GRAIG Diane, BIGBY Christine, BALANDIN Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 40(4), 2015, pp.330-341.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: This article presents an insight into the supported participation of older men with a lifelong disability in community Men's Sheds. The authors draw on a subsample of men from a 3-year study that explored how older people with a lifelong disability could be supported to transition to retirement from sheltered workshops. Method: Data arose from a range of sources – both quantitative and qualitative – and are structured here into a descriptive case study about how mentors at Men's Sheds provided support to older men (n = 9) with lifelong disability. Findings: Older men with disability want to enjoy an active retirement similar to their peers without disability. These men can join mainstream community groups such as Men's Sheds, provided they are offered just the right amount and type of support. Conclusion: Men's Sheds are largely untapped community resources where men with disability are welcome, provided that appropriate support is offered to the members of the shed. (Edited publisher abstract)
The stories of older parents of adult sons and daughters with autism: a balancing act
- Authors:
- HINES Monique, BALANDIN Susan, TOGHER Leanne
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(2), 2014, pp.163-173.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Researchers acknowledge the importance of understanding how families of children with autism cope. Yet, little is known about the experiences of older parents of adults with autism. Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 older parents of adults with autism. Narrative analysis was used to gain insights into their lived experiences. Results: Participants' narratives reflected the notion that much of their experience was a delicate balancing act as they attempted to manage their offspring's symptoms of autism whilst achieving a degree of fulfilment in their own lives. Parents did not believe that formal services had adequately supported their ability to provide care whilst meeting other needs within the family context. Conclusions: The findings have implications for services that attempt to support older parents' abilities to provide care, including the need for tailored intervention strategies that match each family's unique needs. (Publisher abstract)
Using the functional independence measure to assess adults with cerebral palsy: an exploratory report
- Authors:
- BALANDIN Susan, ALEXANDER Betty, HOFFMAN Deborah
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 10(4), 1997, pp.323-332.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Describes the use of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) which was selected as an assessment to be conducted annually with adults attending The Spastic Centre of New South Wales (SCNSW), Australia, an organisation specifically for individuals with cerebral palsy. The data from this ongoing assessment procedure is to assist in lobbying government to ensure that individuals have access to the attendant care services that they require to function optimally in the community and will provide a longitudinal data base for study of some of the effects of the ageing process on individuals with cerebral palsy. Also presents a case study which illustrates the use of the FIM with a couple who live independently in the community.