Some of the Implications of Caring for a Child or Adult with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Many studies have suggested that the presence of a child or adult with a disability in a family can, and does, have a significant impact upon family members, in particular the primary caregiver. Research findings have indicated that there may be social isolation, lack of awareness of services, poor service delivery and psychiatric disorders among parents. However, there have been fewer psychosocial studies on specific conditions such as cerebral palsy and fewer still that consider objectively the impact of caring upon both mothers and fathers caring for their son or daughter throughout a life span. This article, part of a larger research undertaking, presents some key survey findings from a study of 235 mothers and fathers of children and adults with cerebral palsy. The parents evaluated the caring process and their satisfaction with the professionals involved in service delivery. The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among the parents is also reported. The findings indicate that the mental well-being of many fathers and even more mothers was severely affected by the caring process. High levels of parental dissatisfaction with some professionals are reported.