Grandparents of children with developmental disabilities: perceptions, beliefs, and involvement in their care.
This exploratory study evaluated the perceptions and beliefs of grandparents regarding their grandchild with a developmental disability and their involvement in his/her care and the impact of the child's disability on their lives and on their relationship between them. The sample included 16 grandparents of children with a severe developmental disability ranging in age from 5-10 who were studying in a special school. Data was collected by using semistructured interviews in the home of the grandparents. The findings indicated that grandparents' involvement and satisfaction with their role were a function of their attitudes towards disabilities in children in general and their relationship with their adult children, as well as their own life experiences. Their involvement with their grandchild with developmental disability served to strengthen the relationship between the grandparents. An important implication of the study is that professionals should plan interventions to support and encourage grandparents to be more involved in the care of the child with developmental disability.
Katz
Shira
S
Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. Katzsh2@hotmail.com
Kessel
Louise
L
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012938:Social Perception