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The impact of switching on family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy
- Authors:
- NICOLSON Amy, MOIR LOIS, MILSTEED Jeannine
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 8(2), 2013, pp.169-175.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Purpose: This study aimed to enhance our knowledge and understanding of switching, as assistive technology, and how it impacts on family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy with GMFCS levels four or five. Methods: A qualitative method using a constructivist approach was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit five caregivers to participants in this study. Framework analysis was applied to the data collection of semistructured interviews conducted with each caregiver. Findings: The three main themes identified were an investment in the future, resulting in joy and hope. The learning process of switching is resource intensive, time consuming and effortful for caregivers. If caregivers do not perceive this as an investment, then they may not experience the joy switching can bring to their child, and in turn the joy, hope, and caregiver satisfaction it can offer for the future. Conclusion: This research indicates that caregivers often have the greatest impact on whether switching will be adopted in the home. The greatest impact on caregivers is related to their perception on the competence of therapists and coordination of services provided. (Publisher abstract)
Promoting independence for wheelchair users: the role of home accommodations
- Authors:
- ALLEN Susan, RESNIK Linda, ROY Jason
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(1), February 2006, pp.115-123.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The objective of this research was to investigate whether home accommodations influence the amount of human help provided to a nationally representative sample of adults who use wheelchairs. The authors analyzed data from the Adult Disability Follow-back Survey (DFS), Phase II, of the Disability Supplement to the 1994–1995 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS-D). The analytic sample consisted of 899 adults aged 18 and older who reported using wheelchairs in the previous 2 weeks. The authors conducted logistic regression and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses to test the influence of home accommodations on the receipt of any human help, and among respondents who received help, on the hours of help received, respectively. The authors analyzed paid and unpaid help separately. Home accommodations were related to the receipt of unpaid, but not paid, help. Relative to having no home accommodations, the presence of each additional accommodation decreased the odds of having unpaid help by 14%. Additionally, the authors observed an inverse relationship between the number of accommodations in the home and hours of unpaid help. For wheelchair users who live alone, specific types of home accommodations were also inversely related to hours of unpaid help. Policies that reimburse for home accommodations may be an efficient response to the growing demand for home-care support while enabling greater autonomy and independence for people who use wheelchairs.
Telecare and physical disability: using telecare effectively in the support of people with severe physical disabilities and long-term chronic conditions
- Editors:
- KERR Brian, et al, (eds.)
- Publisher:
- University of Stirling. Dementia Services Development Centre; Joint Improvement Team
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 40p.
- Place of publication:
- Stirling
This booklet provides practical guidance on how telecare can contribute to improved outcomes and enhance the support, protection, and quality of life of people with complex physical disabilities and disabling long-term conditions. It also considers the importance of telecare in providing support and reassurance to carers. Sections in the booklet include: definitions of telecare and related concepts; the importance of good needs and risk assessment if telecare is to help meet those needs and manage risk; ethical dilemmas and how they can be resolved; how telecare can form part of a package of care and support, and issue particular to carers. Illustrative case studies are include throughout. Suggested content and a timetable for a one-day training programme are included to help trainers design both awareness raising and skill-development programmes. Examples of equipment which might contribute to the safety and quality of life of the telecare user are featured. A reference list and additional resources are included at the end of the book. This is one of four publications funded by the Scottish Government’s National Telecare Development Programme. The books are primarily aimed at assessors, care and support staff and their managers, telecare service managers and development staff.
Assessing the outcomes of equipment and adaptations: issues and approaches
- Authors:
- HEATON Janet, BAMFORD Claire
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(7), July 2001, pp.346-356.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Current government policy emphasises professional accountability, Best Value, evidence-based practice and outcomes for users and carers. In this context, being able to demonstrate the effectiveness of routine practice is increasingly important. This article considers the key issues in collecting information about the outcomes of equipment and adaptations. Three approaches to evaluating the outcomes of equipment and adaptations are distinguished: functional status measures; health status or quality of life measures; and indirect approaches. Examples of each approach are provided and their strengths and limitations discussed. Calls for further research on the perspectives of carers and the impact of service delivery to ensure that all the outcomes of equipment and adaptations are fully evaluated.
Caring for carers: identifying the needs of parent carers in North and West Wiltshire
- Authors:
- EVANS Simon, et al
- Publisher:
- Carers Support West Wiltshire
- Publication year:
- 2001
- Pagination:
- 68p.,list of orgs.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Bath
Report of a research project which aimed to identify gaps in service provision for parent carers in North and West Wiltshire. Begins with a literature review of existing research in this field. Describes the results of a survey of Wiltshire parent carers, their characteristics and their experiences of services such as special equipment, health services, financial support, special education, social services, respite care, leisure activities, employment and information. Draws conclusions on the access to services of carers and makes recommendations for future practice.