Search results for ‘Subject term:"physical disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
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.
Course of behaviour problems of children with cerebral palsy: the role of parental stress and support
- Authors:
- SIPAL R. F., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 36(1), January 2010, pp.74-84.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a well-recognised neurodevelopmental condition persisting through the lifespan. In many individuals with CP, motor disorders are accompanied by other disturbances, including emotional and behavioural problems. Little is known on the course of such problems, also in relation to possible exacerbating or mitigating factors. This study aimed to test whether parental stress and support played a significant role in the course of behaviour problems. Participants aged 9, 11 and 13 were assessed and followed up after 1, 2 and 3 years. Situational and relational sources of support and stress for the primary caregiver were rated with a questionnaire on behaviour problems using the Child Behaviour Check List. Motor ability was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System. Behaviour problems of children with CP started significantly higher than in the general population, but diminished over the 3-year period. Older children showed fewer problems overall with girls showing fewer externalising problems than boys and children with the most severe CP having more externalising problems. Across time, an excess of stress vs. support related to parents' socio-economic and living situation and to parents' social relationships was positively related to total behaviour problems, both internalizing and externalising. The study concluded that levels of behaviour problems diminish during adolescence for children with CP. Severity of CP plays a role as well as the family context in terms of the stress and support that caregivers experience.
Report of the task and finish group on care pathways for long term neurological conditions
- Author:
- WALES. Welsh Assembly Government. Task and Finish Group on Care Pathways for Long Term Neurological Conditions
- Publisher:
- Wales. Welsh Assembly Government
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 11p.
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
This report by the Welsh Neuroscience Expert Group Care Pathways sub-group outlines a process for the development of care pathways to support children, young people and adults with long term neurological conditions. The aim of these pathways is to help people with long term neurological conditions manage their condition, maintain independence and achieve the best possible quality of life through an integrated process of education, information sharing, assessment, care planning and service delivery. It is suggested that this would be as delineated in the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions for England. Areas addressed are: early recognition, diagnosis and treatment; acute care; early specialist rehabilitation; community and longer term rehabilitation; transitions; vocational and educational rehabilitation; equipment and accommodation; personal care and support for the sufferer, their families and carers; palliative care, care within hospital and other health or social care settings; quality assurance, audit and development.