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

Abstract

Accessible summary Older family carers of an adult with an Intellectual disability were asked about how they sometimes feel when supporting another person. Most carers felt a little stressed or strained. Older carers felt less stressed than younger carers. The value of supports that help carers was identified. AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities are experiencing increased longevity, and in parallel, their family caregivers are also ageing. The literature identifies that these caregivers are at risk of burden. The aim of this study was to measure the level of caregiver burden among older carers of adults with intellectual disabilities in an Irish sample and to analyse the effect of socio‐demographic factors upon experiences of caregiver burden.Materials and MethodsThirty caregivers completed a survey questionnaire. Data were collected based upon participants’ self‐reports of burden using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.ResultsOver 57% of carers indicated a mild‐to‐moderate level of burden. Analysis indicated that younger caregivers experience significantly higher levels of burden, when compared to older caregivers.ConclusionsThis study contributes to our understanding of burden among an Irish population of older caregivers supporting an adult with an intellectual disability. It identified that carers do experience burden. The importance of proactive assessments and supports for these caregivers was revealed. This study highlights a lack of Irish research in this area and may pave the way for future research which could build upon its findings.