“She misses the subtleties and I have to help - help to make the invisible visible”: Parents' role in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with intimate relationships

Claire Bates, Michelle McCarthy, Karen Milne Skillman, Nicola Elson, Rachel Forrester-Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (SciVal)
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Abstract

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities often need support to develop and maintain intimate relationships; however, little is known regarding the role of family carers in this area. Focus groups were conducted with 19 family members to explore the support they provide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find a potential partner and any support they may have to provide to support/develop an existing relationship. Family members provided similar support in this area as support staff, including both practical and emotional support. More needs to be done to support the family members providing this support, such as access to specialist resources and advice, as well as facilitated opportunities to discuss concerns.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)489-507
JournalInternational Journal of Care and Caring
Volume5
Issue number3
Early online date18 Jan 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Aug 2021

Funding

This work was supported by NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) School for Social Care Research. This article presents independent research funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR School for Social Care Research, Department of Health, NIHR or National Health Service. This work was supported by NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) School for Social Care Research.

Keywords

  • Love
  • parents
  • intellectual disabilities
  • learning disabilities
  • relationships

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Health Professions

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