Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Abstract

Given different approaches to service delivery in Canada and the United States and the lack of data available regarding Canadian samples, this study focused on four areas: (a) the major concerns of 80 aging parents of adults with developmental disabilities living in Ontario; (b) their support needs and use; (c) differences in stress and service need and use according to gender, age and whether they lived in urban or rural communities; and (d) the psychological well-being of older parents in relation to stressors, resources and perceptions of stress.

Major issues of concern raised by parents involved long-term planning for accommodation and ongoing emotional and social support, as well as the creation of opportunities for their sons and daughters to participate in activities . Significant differences in service needs and use were found for social and recreational activities, respite care, supported employment, day programs, residential placements, in home support, counselling and behaviour management services. The main reasons given for gaps between service need and use were long waiting lists and a lack of available and appropriate services. Parents reported fewer service needs for themselves than for their family members. Their major needs were for parent support groups and parent education. Predictors of depression in parents included maladaptive behaviour, adverse age-related changes and service use.

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