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Distress in children with learning disabilities at a respite unit: perspectives on their experiences
- Authors:
- RADCLIFFE Jonathan J. L., TURK Vicky
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 36(2), June 2008, pp.91-101.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Numerous studies have investigated the benefits of respite to families with a disabled child. Far fewer have examined the effects on the child and none have systematically compared information about this from different sources. Reports of behavioural reactions and views on distress of children attending respite care in London were gathered from parents, teachers and respite staff. Children were also asked for their views. Over half the children (54%) were reported to show medium or strong negative reactions lasting for 1 or more days by a parent or teacher. Reported reactions varied widely between home and school and no concordance was found between parents, teachers and respite staff groups regarding distress. Some children’s views differed from those of their parent or teacher. The findings highlight the extent of differences in perspectives and suggest the need for greater awareness of the possible distress to children attending respite. This is discussed in relation to factors such as the potential conflict of interests between parents and children, communication and behavioural difficulties, and the context in which the child is observed.
Respite care as a community care service: factors associated with the effects on family carers of adults with intellectual disability in Taiwan
- Authors:
- CHOU Yueh-Ching, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 33(1), March 2008, pp.12-21.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study examines the effects and associated factors of respite care, which was legislated as a community service for adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in Taiwan in 1997. A total of 116 family carers who live with an adult with ID and have utilised the respite care program were surveyed using standardised measures. The results suggest that the most notable effects of respite care include improvement in the carers' social support and life satisfaction, and relief of psychological stress and overall burden of care. The factors associated with these effects include the way the participants have used the respite care and the users' individual characteristics. How families used the respite care, whether the carers practised a religion, and where the families resided, were the most significant factors in determining the effectiveness of the respite. Suggestions are made for making access to information about the program more widely available, and for extending the availability and duration of the service.