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Taking on choice and control in personal care and support: the experiences of physically disabled young adults
- Authors:
- MITCHELL Wendy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 17(4), 2017, pp.413-433.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article reports physically disabled young adults’ experiences of self-directed care. The study carried conducted semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 19-29 years with a range of congenital and acquired impairments. The results found many aspects of interviewees’ experiences of self-directed care appeared to be influenced by their limited life experience, the fact they are still developing life-skills and are a minority group within adult social care. Interviewees identified their lack of life experience and self-confidence as making them cautious in assuming responsibility for their care arrangements and, typically, their desire for on-going parental support. They also believed their age and life stage contributed to difficulties managing carers and PAs. Preferences around characteristics of carers/PAs were influenced by their age and desire to integrate into mainstream activities. Information provided by statutory services did not (fully) acknowledge that some users were young adults. Compared to other physically disabled users of adult social care, young adults’ under-developed life-skills and lack of life experience influences their experiences as users, and the support they needed to assume control of their care arrangements. Tailored information and support for this ‘minority group’ is required. (Edited publisher abstract)
Taking on and taking over: choice and control for physically disabled young adults
- Authors:
- MITCHELL Wendy, et al
- Publisher:
- NIHR School for Social Care Research
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 4
- Place of publication:
- London
Summarises the findings of a study on approaches to supporting physically disabled young adults to achieve their preferred levels of control over care and support arrangements. The study took place between July 2012 and January 2014 and involved semi-structured interviews with young adults, parents and social care professionals. It examined physically disabled young adults experiences of managing their care and support arrangements and explored how they can be better supported. Key findings and practice implications are included. While welcoming the opportunities afforded by personalised approaches within adult social care, almost all the young adults described feeling daunted by the associated responsibilities, with managing personal assistants/carers consistently identified as the most difficult aspect of having a Direct Payment. Young adults found information from statutory services was typically targeted at other audiences, for example, older people and only a minority believed transition planning/support services had played a significant role in preparing them for taking on a Personal Budget. Social workers with more experience of working with young adults identified specific issues that need to be accommodated including: young adults’ relative lack of life skills and experience; young adults’ preferences regarding parental involvement; and addressing parents’ support needs. (Edited publisher abstract)