Older parental carers of adults with a learning disability

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  What are the lived experiences of older parental carers and their adult children with a learning disability, who remain living in the family home?

• IRAS ID

  254417

• Contact name

  Olivia Hewitt

• Contact email

  Olivia.Hewitt@berkshire.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The increased lifespan of people with learning disabilities mean that more parents are support their adult child with a learning disability as they themselves are getting older. Little is known about the specific characteristics of these families, and the challenges and positive aspects of their experiences. This study aims to capture the lived experiences of these older parents, as well as the experiences of the adult child with a learning disability that remain living in the family home.
  This study will use a qualitative design. Individual semi-structured interviews will be conducted with older parents (aged 65 or older) who care for their adult child with a learning disability in the family home, and with adults with a learning disability (aged 18 or older)who are cared for by their older parent(s). Each interview will last between approximately 40 and 90 minutes. The interviews will be audio-recorded and then transcribed.
  Participants will be recruited through Community Teams for People with a Learning Disability, adult social care services, local respite services for people with a learning disability, GP surgeries, local charities working with people with a learning disability and day services. Potential participants who express an interest in the study will be contacted with a telephone call or in writing to arrange a first meeting. At this meeting any questions can be answered, informed written consent will be obtained, and participants can arrange a date for the interview. Participants will be provided with information about the study and reminded of their right to withdraw. Interviews will be conducted within the person's home or at a neutral community base if they prefer.

• REC name

  South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  18/SC/0681

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Jan 2019

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion