A comparison of challenges faced by parents of children with ABI with and without access to third party funding.
BACKGROUND
In Canada, allocation of rehabilitation services is often based on the assumption that families who have third party insurance funding are well served by the private sector system and are not in need of publicly funded rehabilitation services. However, there has been little research comparing the experiences of caregivers with and without access to third party insurance funding; data that could inform service planning and provision.


METHODS
The current study compared the stresses, resources and psychological health of caregivers of children with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) with and without third party funding.


RESULTS
Caregivers with third party funding (MVA) reported a similar level of stress in comparison to caregivers without funding (non-MVA); however there were differences in what these families perceived as stressful.


CONCLUSIONS
Although results indicated significant psychological distress and depressive symptoms for both groups, parents in both groups reported high availability of and satisfaction with services, although they used very few services. Implications for clinical services are discussed.
Vilela
Tania
T
School of Social Work, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Phillips
Marjory
M
Minnes
Patricia
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires