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Shpigelman CN, Araten-Bergman T. Adults With IDD in Supported Accommodation During COVID-19 Lockdown: The Families' Perspective. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 129:215-230. [PMID: 38657961 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-129.3.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The present study aims to understand and describe family caregivers' perceptions and experiences regarding contact and relationships with their adult relatives with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in supported accommodation during the COVID-19 lockdown. A qualitative phenomenological approach was applied in which 19 Israeli family caregivers (parents and siblings) were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis revealed themes at the microsystem level (the resident, the caregiver, and their relationship), and at the mesosystem level (the caregivers' interactions with service providers and other residents' families). The findings highlight the pivotal role of family caregivers in times of uncertainty and the need to develop explicit policies and mechanisms to facilitate family engagement in the residents' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit-Noa Shpigelman
- Carmit-Noa Shpigelman, Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Tal Araten-Bergman
- Tal Araten-Bergman, Social Work and Social Policy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, and Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Yi J, Kim MA, Sang J, Gonzalez-Pons KM. Caregiving Stress Experienced by Parents of Adult Children with Intellectual Disabilities During COVID-19 in Korea. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 39:105-117. [PMID: 38373006 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2024.2319856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Many of community supports and resources were shattered in the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving parents to navigate caring for their adult child with intellectual disabilities with little support. This study explored caregiving stress experienced by parents of adult children with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 parents of an adult child with intellectual disabilities. Thematic analysis yielded two themes: caregiving burden and deteriorating health. Parents bore the brunt of the caregiving burden, spending much of their time helping their adult child with daily activities and managing their challenging behaviors, leaving the caregivers struggling physically and mentally. The heightened caregiver burden and associated deteriorating health among these parents raise serious concerns, indicating a need for immediate support to alleviate these issues and help parents navigate caring for their adult child with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehee Yi
- School of Social Work, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Min Ah Kim
- Department of Social Welfare, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Sang
- School of Social Work and Family Sciences, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
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Zheng X, Liu Q, Tao Z, Peng L, Chen H, Tang Y. Caregivers' experiences of caring for non-COVID-19 patients during the pandemic: A qualitative systematic review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 115:107872. [PMID: 37413807 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate caregivers' experiences of caring for non-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients to determine their challenges and needs. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, CINAHL, and ClinicalKey) were searched from January 2020 to June 2022. Two authors independently reviewed all studies for eligibility and extracted information on the study aim, sample characteristics, study design, data collection, analysis methods, and so on. RESULTS Finally, 13 studies were included. Four themes were determined: impacts on physical and psychosocial well-being of caregivers, perceived risk of the virus, negative impacts on employment and financial statuses, and changes in support networks. CONCLUSION This is the first qualitative systematic review to describe caregivers' experiences of caring for non-COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. The four themes should be focused on to ease caregivers' physical, psychological, and financial burdens; to provide them with better assistance in terms of formal and informal supports to cope with the epidemic more effectively; and to ensure that their loved ones are much healthier. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The findings can be used by healthcare policymakers, social policymakers, and governments to better support caregivers of non-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, it provides suggestions for related medical institutions to pay more attention to caregivers' experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilin Zheng
- Department of Nursing Teaching and Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- Department of Nursing Teaching and Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zirong Tao
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Lingli Peng
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Research Center on Aging, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Hua Chen
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunhong Tang
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Parchomiuk M. Care and rehabilitation institutions for people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic: Polish experiences. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK 2023; 66:1080-1099. [PMID: 37457859 PMCID: PMC10336334 DOI: 10.1177/00208728211060471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities benefit from many forms of institutional support, which include residential, rehabilitation, and educational services. Changes caused by the pandemic, especially the introduction of new rules relating to various aspects of life, raised several challenges and problems in the functioning of these institutions and for the people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research concerned facilities providing services for people with intellectual disabilities in Poland during the pandemic. The research goal was to determine what changes took place in the rehabilitation and care institutions during the pandemic in terms of their organization and the functioning of their clients and personnel. An online questionnaire was used. The respondents were institution employees. Data showed a number of preventive, educational, and supportive activities carried out by the institutions. Adverse changes in the psychosocial functioning of people with intellectual disabilities and other problems during the pandemic were reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Parchomiuk
- Monika Parchomiuk, Institute of Pedagogy, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Maria Curie – Sklodowska University, Głęboka Street 45, 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
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Downs J, Blackmore AM, Wong K, Buckley N, Lotan M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Stahlhut M. Can telehealth increase physical activity in individuals with Rett syndrome? A multicentre randomized controlled trial. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:489-497. [PMID: 36284370 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effects of a physical activity programme on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in ambulant individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHOD In this multicentre randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we recruited 43 ambulatory individuals with RTT in Australia and Denmark. Adequate baseline data were obtained from 38 participants (mean age 20 years, range 6-41, SD 10 years 6 months, one male). All completed the trial. Participants received 12 weeks of usual care (n = 19) or a goal-based, telehealth-supported programme in which activities occurred in their familiar environments (n = 19). Sedentary time and daily steps were assessed at baseline, post-test, and 12-week follow-up. The data analyst was blinded to group allocation. RESULTS Sedentary time decreased in the intervention group by 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.0 to 0.6) and increased in the control group by 1.3% (95% CI -4.8 to 7.4). Intervention and control groups increased the number of their steps per day by 264.7 (95% CI -72.2 to 601.5) and 104.8 (95% CI -178.1 to 387.7) respectively. No significant differences were found on any outcomes at post-test. There were three minor adverse events. INTERPRETATION A goal-based telehealth intervention seemed to produce small improvements in physical activity for individuals with RTT. Families require more support to increase these individuals' extremely low physical activity levels. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS A telehealth-supported intervention may produce small changes in physical activity in Rett syndrome (RTT). Increasing physical activity in individuals with RTT is challenging for caregivers. Families require substantial out-of-home support to increase their children's activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Marie Blackmore
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rett Syndrome National Clinic, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Cochavit Elefant
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Habermann-Horstmeier L. [The situation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the COVID-19 pandemic-risk factors, problem areas, and measures]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2023; 66:283-291. [PMID: 36781428 PMCID: PMC9924858 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-023-03661-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were much more affected by COVID-19 than the average population. The morbidity in this population group was significantly higher due to the form of their housing and care as well as disability-associated health factors (such as Down's syndrome). This led, among other things, to a higher incidence of inpatient settings, a higher mortality rate among hospitalized patients, and a higher case fatality rate among certain subgroups. Risk factors were co-diseases such as dysphagia, epilepsy, or mental disorders. In addition, there were health consequences from restrictive exposure prophylaxis measures at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.This overview article describes the main developments in the care of people with IDD since the beginning of the pandemic. New mental problems or an increase in existing mental problems occurred more frequently in people with IDD who were cared for on an outpatient basis or by relatives. People with IDD in inpatient residential facilities were less frequently affected. The main reasons for psychological problems were lack of social contacts, lost work and employment opportunities, the frightening pandemic situation, and the major structural and personnel changes in the facilities at the beginning of the pandemic. During the pandemic, there were also problems with the implementation of therapeutic and preventive measures. On the other hand, especially in the inpatient area, the "slowing down of life" associated with the restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic also had a stress-reducing effect on some of the people with IDD and was perceived by them as something positive. Caregivers had more time for the genuine (i.e., pedagogical) work. Overall, it was shown that health-promoting measures must also take into account the great heterogeneity of the people with IDD and their living conditions during the pandemic.
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Zonneveld E, van Schelven F, Boeije H. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 36:68-77. [PMID: 36134473 PMCID: PMC9539069 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic. Method Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions. Results No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL. Conclusions Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Zonneveld
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Femke van Schelven
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie Boeije
- Department Perspective of patients and clients in healthcare, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Zaagsma M, Koning MHM, Volkers KM, Schippers AP, van Hove G. 'It really is quite a different ballgame'. A qualitative study into the work experiences of remote support professionals. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 35:1153-1161. [PMID: 35474394 PMCID: PMC9540763 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional support for people with intellectual disabilities is increasingly provided remotely. This study explores what support staff of the Dutch remote support service DigiContact experience as distinctive aspects of their job as a remote support professional. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were held with 10 DigiContact support workers. The transcripts were analysed through a qualitative content analysis process. RESULTS Six themes were identified that reflect distinct aspects of the participants' work within the DigiContact remote support context: being encouraged to adopt a solution-oriented coaching support style; being limited in one's support options; facing considerable diversity; providing support as one team; dealing with unpredictability; and navigating the dynamic within work shifts. CONCLUSIONS The way support is organised and delivered can have substantial implications for support professionals. Working at a service like DigiContact seems to call for specific skills, knowledge, affinities and experience, and for appropriate support and facilitation from organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Zaagsma
- Philadelphia Care Foundation, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam University Medical Center, VUmc, Department of Ethics, Law and Humanities, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alice P Schippers
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Disability Studies in the Netherlands, De Meern, The Netherlands
| | - Geert van Hove
- Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Wanjagua R, Hepburn S, Faragher R, John ST, Gayathri K, Gitonga M, Meshy CF, Miranda L, Sindano D. Key learnings from
COVID
‐19 to sustain quality of life for families of individuals with
IDD. JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 19:72-85. [PMID: 35601013 PMCID: PMC9115200 DOI: 10.1111/jppi.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Wanjagua
- Department of Disability and Human Development University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Stevie‐Jae Hepburn
- School of Education The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Rhonda Faragher
- School of Education The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | | | - K. Gayathri
- Down Syndrome Clinic Baby Memorial Hospital Calicut India
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