The impact of caregiving for physically disabled children who use wheelchairs on their caregivers' occupational performance, health and satisfaction.

(Jackie Casey, University of Ulster)

(Rachael McDonald, Monash University, Australlia)

Background

Much work is currently being undertaken to explore the content of best static and dynamic seating assessments, determining appropriate prescriptions and optimising the mobility of children who use a wheelchair. However, little is recorded regarding the impact of wheelchair prescription and use upon the parents and caregivers of these children.

Purpose

This project proposes to undertake a pilot study to explore the impact wheelchair usage has upon the daily lives of caregivers of children who are wheelchair users. It is proposed that this study will explore this impact across a number of domains for the caregivers. These domains include: health, activity, participation, mental health, stress and coping skills.

Objectives

1) To identify if caring for a child who is a wheelchair user has an impact upon the quality of life of the caregivers?

2) To what extent does wheelchair usage affect the health, activity choice and participation, mental health of caregivers of these wheelchair users?

3) To identify what coping skills these caregivers adopt/ require in their management of the children.