Helen Bourke-Taylor1, Linsey Howie, Mary Law. 1. School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. h.bourke-taylor@latrobe.edu.au
Abstract
AIM: Children with a disability are reliant on a capable, healthy and well-resourced carer. Most often the child's mother provides the care that ensures the child's health, service access and community integration are attended to successfully. Through in-depth interviews with mothers and professionals, this study explores issues that challenge the mother's performance in her very important role as a caregiver. METHOD: Qualitative methodology(n=8)resulted in verbatim transcriptions that were analysed and categorised, and common themes were derived. RESULTS: Participants identified a multitude of challenges related to issues surrounding the child, maternal characteristics, the family, services and the community. Emotional distress and mental health issues were reported. CONCLUSION: Many aspects of caregiving can be relentless and challenging. Occupational therapy clinical implications aimed at supporting mothers and their children are discussed.
AIM: Children with a disability are reliant on a capable, healthy and well-resourced carer. Most often the child's mother provides the care that ensures the child's health, service access and community integration are attended to successfully. Through in-depth interviews with mothers and professionals, this study explores issues that challenge the mother's performance in her very important role as a caregiver. METHOD: Qualitative methodology(n=8)resulted in verbatim transcriptions that were analysed and categorised, and common themes were derived. RESULTS:Participants identified a multitude of challenges related to issues surrounding the child, maternal characteristics, the family, services and the community. Emotional distress and mental health issues were reported. CONCLUSION: Many aspects of caregiving can be relentless and challenging. Occupational therapy clinical implications aimed at supporting mothers and their children are discussed.
Authors: Pablo A Cantero-Garlito; Pedro Moruno-Miralles; Juan Antonio Flores-Martos Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-23 Impact factor: 3.390