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The impact of caring for a child with cerebral palsy: quality of life for mothers and fathers
- Authors:
- DAVIS E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 36(1), January 2010, pp.63-73.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Although caring for a child with cerebral palsy (CP) can impact on the caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) this has yet to be adequately examined. The aims of this study were to explore the QOL of mothers and fathers of children with CP aged 3–18 years, and examine whether the impact of caring for a child with CP changes from childhood to adolescence. A qualitative study was conducted utilising a grounded theory framework. 24 mothers and 13 fathers of children and adolescents with CP and with varying levels of impairment participated in semi-structured interviews about their QOL. The transcripts were analysed to identify issues affecting parental QOL. Results revealed there were no differences in parental QOL among subgroups - mothers and fathers, age groups, GMFCS levels. Parental QOL ranged across a wide spectrum. Caring for a child with CP affects a parent's physical well-being, social well-being, freedom and independence, family well-being and financial stability. Parents indicated that they often feel unsupported by the services they access. The authors conclude that caring for a child with CP can both positively and negatively impact on a parent's life. If parental concerns and determinants of QOL are considered in overall programme planning and service delivery for children and their families, both parents and children benefit.