고령 발달장애인 부모의 돌봄 부담에 영향을 미치는 요인과 돌봄 대책에 대한 부모 요구

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors influencing the care burden of parents of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities and to explore parents' perceptions of care strategies. A mixed-method design was employed, integrating both quantitative research, which analyzed 858 households with individuals aged 40 and above with developmental disabilities, using data from the '2021 Survey on the Daily Lives of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.' Data processing was conducted using SPSS 25.0 and included frequency analysis, mean analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with five parents of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities aged 40 and above. The results are following. First, the level of care burden experienced by parents significantly varied based on the personal characteristics of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities, including their health status, communication ability, and activities of daily living. Family characteristics, such as the health status of the caregiver and their employment status, social participation and activity-related characteristics, occupational factors, and future planning characteristics, all contributed to the significant differences in the care burden experienced by parents. Second, factors such as the gender, marital status, health status, daily living skills, caregiver's health status, employment status, and the perception of job necessity of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities had an impact on the care burden of parents. Third, The perceptions regarding caregiving strategies for parents of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities include 'Care Burden of Parents with Elderly Individuals with Developmental Disabilities', 'Demand for Posthumous Support to Ensure the Secure Life of Offspring', and 'Preparation for the Stable Aging of Elderly Individuals with Developmental Disabilities'. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for alleviating the caregiving burden on parents of elderly individuals with developmental disabilities and suggesting policy and practical implications for aging support initiatives in both policy and field contexts.