Psychosocial Experiences of Family Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

In this study, we explored the psychosocial experiences of family caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in the rural town of Alice in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. We intended to uncover the psychosocial well-being of family caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities. We adopted qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling was employed to recruit 15 family caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in Alice. The age of the family caregivers ranged from 20 to 65. All the participants were black people and included both males and females. The data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured individual interviews. We analysed the data using thematic analysis. The study findings indicate that family caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities experience the caregiving process negatively in the various aspects of life. These aspects include social, personal, financial, emotional and health aspects. Also, the caregiving process carries a heavy burden. In light of the findings, we conclude that there is a need for the continuous rendering of comprehensive psychosocial support services to family caregivers of children with disabilities. It is recommended that social workers empower family caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities so that they can function effectively in their communities. Furthermore, the government needs to reinforce existing policies that support these psychosocial services.