RESUMEN
The assistance needs of parents with physical disabilities have been widely underexamined. This qualitative observational study described the assistance needs of parents with physical disabilities during the performance of in-home babycare activities. Thirty-one parents were assessed by trained occupational therapists using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Profile adapted for use with parents, an ecological performance-based assessment that considers executive functioning. Descriptive statistics of participants' demographics and parents' independence scores in babycare activities were calculated, and a qualitative content analysis of parents' assistance needs was performed using video recordings. At least one-fourth of parents experienced difficulties in all babycare activities, either affecting activity performance or requiring verbal or physical assistance. Assistance needs were also observed in all activity-related operations of the ADL Profile. It is necessary to develop specialized clinical services to address assistance needs and promote safe and easy parenting in parents with physical disabilities.
Asunto(s)
Actividades Cotidianas , Personas con Discapacidad , Humanos , Padres , Responsabilidad Parental , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
Background. Knowledge about the needs of parents with neurological disorders who take care of young children is limited. Purpose. The overall aim of this qualitative study was to explore the perceived unmet parent needs, current supports, and potential solutions to optimize supports of parents with neurological disorders in early childhood in a Canadian setting. Method. Focus groups and individual interviews with parents (n = 8), spouses (n = 5), rehabilitation clinicians (n = 8), community partners (n = 7), and researchers (n = 7) were conducted with a total of 35 participants recruited using convenience sampling. Inductive iterative thematic analysis was performed. Findings. The participants identified the need for society to officially recognize parenting with disabilities, adjust public policies, increase the scope of public programs, consider child development and family well-being, and have barrier-free communities. Conclusion. Providing customized solutions that will adequately fill perceived service gaps is of utmost importance to address these families' needs.