Perceptions and expectations of regular support meetings between staff and people with an intellectual disability

Abstract

Background Client-centred models of care emphasise the importance of collaborative working between staff and clients with an intellectual disability (ID). How people with an ID perceive the nature of their engagement with staff is relatively unknown. This study investigated the perceptions of staff and people with an ID about the goals for their meetings and what aspects of the meetings they viewed as important. Method Interviews were carried out with 9 client-staff dyads. Prior to their meeting, staff and clients were asked about their expectations. Afterwards, both parties were asked about what they believed happened during the interaction. The participants' answers were subjected to a thematic analysis. Results People with an ID appreciated the opportunity to tell their story and valued reliable, practical support and advice. A trusting relationship was important to both clients and staff. Only staff viewed promoting clients' autonomy as important. Conclusion Staff and people with an ID appear to differ in their expectations and perceptions regarding regular support meetings.

“Connectedness” between people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour and support staff: Perceptions of psychologists and support staff

“…In addition, the participants expressed that support staff attuned themselves to the needs of people with intellectual disabilities as a way of generating feelings of reassurance, comfort, mutuality and genuine interest. This finding is in accordance with previous research, which similarly highlighted the importance of attunement (Reuzel et al, 2017) and showed that evoking such feelings confirms the humanity of the person who is dependent upon care (Antonsson et al, 2013;Hermsen et al, 2014). When viewed in the context of ours results, this could explain why the participants considered these moments to be indicative of a real connection.…”

Implications of Emotional Labor on Work Outcomes of Service Workers in Not-for-Profit Human Service Organizations

“…Human services organizations provide critical care to vulnerable populations by supporting service participants' achievement of the highest level of independence, success, and satisfaction in their lives (Burger, 2017;Estrine, Hettenbach, Arthur, & Messina, 2010). In a direct service capacity, this labor involves working closely with individuals with disabilities to help them achieve their individual life goals (Burger, 2017;Reuzel, Bosman, Embregts, van Nieuwenhuijzen, & Jahoda, 2017). Employees working with individuals with disabilities provide support to help with daily life activities and are required to engage emotionally, caring for, and about the people they serve (Burger, 2017).…”

Living with support: Experiences of people with mild intellectual disability

“…(), 17 individuals with mild intellectual disability talked primarily about the emotional support they received from staff. Additionally, Reuzel, Embregts, Bosman, van Nieuwenhuizen, and Jahoda () explored the perceptions and expectations of regular support meetings of people with mild to borderline intellectual disability. Interviews with nine participants immediately after their support meeting showed that during the meeting, they received helpful advice from staff.…”