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Perera, Bhathik D. and Standen, Penny (2014) Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia. Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8 (5). pp. 292-301. ISSN 2044-1290

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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.

Item Type:	Article
RIS ID:	https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/733795
Keywords:	Coping strategies; Dementia; Intellectual disability; Learning disability; Narrative
Schools/Departments:	University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine > Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing
Identification Number:	10.1108/AMHID-05-2013-0034
Depositing User:	Dziunka, Patricia
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2017 09:36
Last Modified:	04 May 2020 16:52
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/41282

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