Experiences and Needs of Caregivers of People with Disabilities on S upports for the Caregivers

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the experiences of benefiting from the support provided to the caregiversof people with disabilities, and examined the caregivers' perception of what support is necessary for them. Methods: For this study, a focus group interview was conducted with 17 caregivers of people withdisabilities, including parents and siblings of the people with disabilities. Results: The results of the study were as follows. First, the caregivers with people with disabilitieswere suffering from caregiving due to a lack of various programs and institutions for the people withdisabilities. Second, the caregivers did not know that the support was focused on the caregivers, eventhough they were receiving supports for themselves. Third, the caregivers felt sorry that they couldonly receive supports by finding supports for the people with disabilities or the caregivers on theirown. Finally, the caregivers had requests for supports in various areas such as educational, psychological,emotional, legal, and medical assistance. Conclusion: The support programs for the people with disabilities and their families should be expandedcomprehensively regardless of age or the income level of the family. As well, the entire process ofthe support for the caregivers of people with disabilities should be implemented more systematically.