Caring for People with Intellectual Disability: Experiences

John Boulard Forkuor,Odongo Attoh Douglas,Kwao Mariepearl Dekie

doi:10.11648/j.ss.20200903.12

John Boulard Forkuor, Odongo Attoh Douglas + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ss.20200903.12

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Abstract

This paper reports findings on the challenges and sources of resilience of carers of Persons with Intellectually Disabilities (PwIDs) in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from ten (10) institutional carers (House Mothers), and five (5) teachers at three different institutions for PwIDs in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. The challenges carers face is because of socio-cultural perceptions regarding PwIDs as well as work related constraints. Even though this research confirmed the fear, apprehension and negative comments by family, friends and the public to care work, it also revealed that this could be due to ignorance, lack of understanding and unfamiliarity of the public with PwIDs. Despite the challenges involved with care work such as aggressive behaviour from PwIDs for instance, carers indicated that PwIDs were ‘interesting’ and ‘funny’, making the work enjoyable. The study revealed that religion and the expectation of a future blessing from God were a major source of resilience for carers. Since increased social integration has been suggested to reduce stigma against PwIDs, this study recommends that Ghanaian social workers actively engage in discussions regarding the integration of PwIDs in day-to-day social processes. Furthermore, while it is important to build the resilience of carers, it is equally relevant for Ghanaian social workers to address the source of challenge (in this case stigma and discrimination) that necessitates this resilience in the first place.

Highlights

According to the study [28], 1 out of 7 persons in the world are persons living with a disability, 80% of whom live in abject poverty within developing countries
Even though this research confirmed the fear, apprehension and negative comments by the public, it revealed that this could be due to ignorance, lack of understanding and unfamiliarity of the public with Persons living with Intellectual Disabilities (PwIDs)
There is a need for students and future practitioners to be taught how to enhance the inherent capacity and independence of their service users

Summary

Introduction

According to the study [28], 1 out of 7 persons in the world are persons living with a disability, 80% of whom live in abject poverty within developing countries. Persons living with disability suffer discrimination in various forms including discrimination in terms of access to health, employment and general social engagement [1]. Among persons living with disabilities, Persons living with Intellectual Disabilities (PwIDs) may be the most marginalized [24]. This is because parents and families are sometimes reluctant to seek adequate healthcare for PwIDs or do not pay sufficient attention to the health needs of PwIDs. Some health professionals on the other hand, are ill equipped and less prepared to work and communicate with PwIDs who come to their facilities [24]. Much emphasis has been placed on PwIDs’ medical needs and daily upkeep [5], to the extent that other areas such as education, employment, transport and social relationships has been given less attention [26]

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