Vivienne Riches

A study of caregiver support services: Perspectives of family caregivers of persons with intellectual disabilities in Singapore

Publisher: Wiley

Date: 30-09-2022

DOI: 10.1111/JPPI.12441

Abstract: Most people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore live with family and are supported by family caregivers. Many caregivers lack the awareness, skills and resources needed for their caregiving role. A caregiver support service designed to build the capability of family caregivers serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities was evaluated after 2 years of operation to ascertain the level of caregiver coping and resilience, perceived impact of strategies for emotional support, and satisfaction with a range of support services and gaps in service. Family caregivers were surveyed regarding satisfaction with services received using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ‐8) and feedback from activities and events. Their coping and resilience were measured with the Coping Competence Questionnaire (CCQ). Qualitative data from caregiver interviews and staff focus groups were analysed for key themes that were triangulated and converged with other findings. Satisfaction, better coping and resilience were associated with specific support services. Key themes emerged around several effective supports and areas of unmet needs across the lifespan. Limitations and areas for improvement were identified to meet a broader range of caregivers. Targeted family support services can enhance the well‐being of caregivers supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID) across the lifespan. The results inform policymakers and support agencies that support of the family, not just the person with ID, is an important factor and needs to be incorporated at the heart of the design and development of any inclusive community living in Singapore.

Complex support needs profile of an adult cohort with intellectual disability transitioning from state-based service provision to NDIS-funded residential support

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Date: 05-03-2020

DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2020.1717069

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0989847

Start Date: 11-2009

End Date: 11-2014

Amount: $365,000.00

Funder: Australian Research Council

Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP190101011

Start Date: 03-2021

End Date: 02-2024

Amount: $194,586.00

Funder: Australian Research Council