Physical and psychological health of family carers co‐residing with an adult relative with an intellectual disability

Abstract

Family carers of adults with intellectual disability appear to experience poorer health outcome than population norms. Adaption to the caregiving role may buffer negative outcomes. Further large scale, population-based, longitudinal research is needed.

An exploration of care‐burden experienced by older caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland

“…Chou et al () reported that younger caregivers reported a higher level of burden. Similarly, Grey et al () reported that caregiver age was the only variable significantly independently associated with caregiver burden, suggesting older age was associated with lower levels of burden, a finding also identified in this study. Grey et al () found that older caregivers experienced greater satisfaction with available supports and adopted active coping mechanisms that were associated with lower levels of burden and better health outcomes.…”

“…Increased longevity has presented family caregivers with many challenges including increased care needs, failing health, ageing processes of their family member, financial concerns and worries for the future (Dillenger & McKerr, ; Schoufour, Evenhuis, & Echteld, ). In parallel, these caregivers are also ageing and may be experiencing both physical and psychological health problems (Grey, Totsika , & Hastings, ). Therefore, a growing population of ageing caregivers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities may be at risk of caregiver burden.…”

“…Literature that examined burden experienced by family caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities identified several factors that may impact on burden. These include the health of the caregivers, ageing of adults with intellectual disabilities, stigma, gender and caregiver support strategies (Al‐Krenawi, Graham, & Al Gharaibeh, ; Bhatia, Srivastava, Gautam, Saha, & Kaur, ; Chou, Pu, Fu, & Kröger, ; Chou, Fu, Lin, & Lee, ; Grey et al, ; Janicki, Zendell, & DeHaven, ; Lewellyn, McConnell, Gething, Cant, & Kendig, ; ; McKensie & McConkey, ; Nam & Park, ).…”

“…The literature identified that caring for an adult with intellectual disabilities can impact upon the caregiver's physical and psychological health (Grey et al, ). These caregivers reported more health problems and higher levels of burden than the general population.…”

“…Several studies reported that caregivers who perceived their health as poorer also indicated higher levels of burden (Chou et al, ; McKenzie & McConkey., ). The literature also identified that younger caregivers experienced higher levels of ill‐health and caregiver burden than older caregivers (Chou et al, ; Grey et al, ; Lewellyn et al, ).…”