Family carers' experiences of providing care for their adult relative with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems in Singapore. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ee, Jonathan; Lim, Jan Mei; Stenfert Kroese, Biza; Rose, John
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 126(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Intellectual disabilities -- Qualitative research -- Caregivers -- Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis -- Services; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Families in Singapore are primarily involved in the care of their relatives with intellectual disabilities and the study aimed to explore their experiences taking care of their relatives with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems. Method: Nine unpaid family carers were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Analysis revealed four themes 1) Making sense of behaviours; 2) Staff are the experts; 3) Public reaction and 4) Worries and hopes for the future. Conclusions: Family carers found it difficult to identify and manage the mental health symptoms of their relatives and sought help from specialist mental health professionals. They were satisfied with the specialist services and found psychotropic medication helpful to reduce the symptoms. Family carers expressed worries about their relative not being accepted by the public and did not make future care plans. More resources are needed to increase accessibility of specialist mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities. It is recommended for service providers to collaborate with family carers and provide them with resources and skills to empower them to care for their relatives with intellectual disabilities. Highlights: Family carers experience difficulties taking care of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and mental health problems. Accessibility to specialist mental health services is a barrier for people with ID to seek early intervention. Having patience and passion are important attributes for mental health professionals working with people with ID. People with ID experience difficulties adjusting back to the societies after their mental health symptoms have improved. Family carers are worried that nobody will look after their relatives with ID when they can no longer able to do so.