Impact of caring for a school-aged child with a disability: understanding mothers' perspectives
Helen Bourke-Taylor1, Linsey Howie, Mary Law
1School of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia. h.bourke-taylor@latrobe.edu.au
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.
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