Impact of caring for a school-aged child with a disability: understanding mothers' perspectives

Abstract

Aim: Children with a disability are reliant on a capable, healthy and well-resourced carer. Most often the child's mother provides the care that ensures the child's health, service access and community integration are attended to successfully. Through in-depth interviews with mothers and professionals, this study explores issues that challenge the mother's performance in her very important role as a caregiver.

Method: Qualitative methodology(n=8)resulted in verbatim transcriptions that were analysed and categorised, and common themes were derived.

Results: Participants identified a multitude of challenges related to issues surrounding the child, maternal characteristics, the family, services and the community. Emotional distress and mental health issues were reported.

Conclusion: Many aspects of caregiving can be relentless and challenging. Occupational therapy clinical implications aimed at supporting mothers and their children are discussed.