A Qualitative Study Exploring Ways to Support Parent Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
ABSTRACT
Background
Many parents are the primary caregivers for their adult children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. While there can be many benefits of caregiving, there can also be negative consequences for the parent caregiver and, in turn, for their adult child with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Given the critical care that parents provide to their adult children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, we aimed to understand the supports parents need to be effective caregivers.
Method
Qualitative data (write-in responses) from a national survey completed by 315 parents of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes emerged from the data, including the need fortangible support, social support, help navigating disability services and resources, and assistance with future planning.
Conclusions
Our findings point to the need for financial compensation for parent caregivers of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, enhanced disability services, and spaces for families to connect and share resources.