The experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities: “I just carry on with it”
Tizard Learning Disability Review
ISSN: 1359-5474
Article publication date: 22 February 2021
Issue publication date: 30 April 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Because people with learning disabilities (LD) are living longer, their family carers are likely to continue their caring role for longer. This study aims to explore the experiences of older carers of people with LD.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 16 interviews with older carers were carried out and analysed qualitatively.
Findings
Three main themes emerged from the data: “transition to retirement is a misnomer”; “impact of caring role”; and “fears for the future”.
Originality/value
Previous studies have not focussed on the specific experiences of “older” carers and their situation risks going unnoticed. Their experiences should be acknowledged by services and society and meaningful support provided.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Awards for All for funding the research and Liz Rolfs for all her help and support. Most of all, the author thanks the 21 carers who are so giving, have achieved so much, yet remain humble and good humoured. The author confirms that the views expressed in this paper are those of the author’s and not necessarily the funders or commissioners of the research.
Citation
Forrester-Jones, R. (2021), "The experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities: “I just carry on with it”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 48-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-08-2020-0018
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited