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‘How long are we able to go on?’ Issues faced by older family caregivers of adults with disabilities
- Authors:
- DILLENBURGER Karola, MCKERR Lyn
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(1), March 2011, pp.29-38.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
As the population ages, the number of older carers of disabled children rises accordingly. This paper reports findings from a study of parents/carers of disabled children asking them about relationships, social support and future planning. These carers are often under a lot of stress because of failing health, financial pressures, bereavement and worry about the future of their sons/daughters. Participants included 29 older parents/cares of 27 adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. They were interviewed to investigate their views and experiences regarding long-term care and service arrangements, health and psychological needs and future planning. Results revealed a serious lack of support, respite care and future planning which caused high stress levels for caregivers. The authors concluded that policy makers and researchers working in this should take into consideration the needs of older caregivers when making future plans for adults with disabilities.