Susan L Parish1, Roderick A Rose, Jamie G Swaine. 1. Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454-9110, USA. slp@Brandeis.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding how financial well-being changes through the life course of caregiving parents of children with developmental disabilities is critically important. METHODS: We analyse SIPP (U.S. Census Bureau) data to describe income poverty, asset poverty, income, net worth, and liquid assets of US parents (N = 753) of children with developmental disabilities. RESULTS: Income and asset poverty was greatest for the youngest and oldest parents. Liquid assets were relatively flat across cohorts, while net worth declined sharply for elderly parents. Income was highest among parents aged 45-54. CONCLUSION: These findings signal significant financial vulnerability among parents of children with developmental disabilities. Policy makers should consider targeted measures to improve the financial well-being of these parents, particularly the youngest and oldest.
BACKGROUND: Understanding how financial well-being changes through the life course of caregiving parents of children with developmental disabilities is critically important. METHODS: We analyse SIPP (U.S. Census Bureau) data to describe income poverty, asset poverty, income, net worth, and liquid assets of US parents (N = 753) of children with developmental disabilities. RESULTS: Income and asset poverty was greatest for the youngest and oldest parents. Liquid assets were relatively flat across cohorts, while net worth declined sharply for elderly parents. Income was highest among parents aged 45-54. CONCLUSION: These findings signal significant financial vulnerability among parents of children with developmental disabilities. Policy makers should consider targeted measures to improve the financial well-being of these parents, particularly the youngest and oldest.
Authors: Lauren Bishop-Fitzpatrick; Sarah Dababnah; Mary J Baker-Ericzén; Matthew J Smith; Sandra M Magaña Journal: Soc Work Ment Health Date: 2018-08-23