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Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

Bhathika D. Perera (Consultant Psychiatrist in Intellectual Disability, based at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom, UK)
Penny J. Standen (Professor of Health Psychology and Learning Disabilities and Head of School of Community Health Sciences, based at Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK)

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

ISSN: 2044-1282

Article publication date: 26 August 2014

671

Abstract

Purpose

Carers play a vital role in looking after people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Caring role can be stressful and challenging in nature. Carers use various coping strategies to deal with stressors. The purpose of this paper is to explore coping strategies of carers looking after people with ID and dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methodology was used to explore coping strategies. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews were carried out. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Nine interviews with carers (six paid carers and three family carers) and two focus groups with nursing staff looking after people with ID were carried out. Three key themes of “Narrative”, “Strategy toolbox” and “Compartmentalisation” emerged from analysis. Narrative and strategy took box were further subthemed. Carers had narratives about them and the person they look after. These “narratives” helped them to deal with day to day stressors. They also carried a “strategy toolbox”, which they used when they were in stressful situations. Compartmentalisation helped them to separate their personal life from work life as a carer.

Originality/value

Understanding carers’ coping strategies is important when planning services to help carers who play an important role in our society. Professionals can support carers to understand and improve their existing coping skills and help them to thrive in their role as carers.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Dr Jo Jones, Consultant Psychiatrist, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Citation

D. Perera, B. and J. Standen, P. (2014), "Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 292-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-05-2013-0034

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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