Siblings' and parents' outlook for the prospective care for a family member with PIMD

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the approaches adopted by the parents and typically developing siblings as to the prospective care and support for a family member with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).BackgroundWith an ever‐extending life span of persons with PIMD, it has become necessary for their parents to make arrangements for prospective care in which siblings may play an important role.MethodThe study was carried out by means of semistructured interviews held with parents and siblings of individuals with PIMD. The method used for analysis consisted in open and axial coding. Grounded theory methodology procedures served as the theoretical framework.ResultsParents commonly thought a future caregiving role would be an unfair burden to the typically developing siblings, who, in contrast, welcomed such a commitment.ConclusionsParents should not worry about the prospective care for their offspring with a disability given by their typically developing siblings. However, they should attend to the quality of communication, resolving discrepancies in the family members' perspectives on caregiving in the future.ImplicationsThese findings might offer insight for the parents and siblings of persons with PIMD as well as for social welfare institutions, social workers, and other professionals who work with children and their parents.