Variables That Can Enhance and Complicate Sibling Caregiving of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

In: Journal of policy and practice in intellectual disabilities: official journal of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Band 12, Heft 3, S. 210-219

Abstract

AbstractThe increasing longevity of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has raised new issues for families. Individuals with I/DD who face difficulties in achieving full independence might remain dependent on family members such as aging parents, who may be unable to provide continued support. Therefore, reliance on siblings for the future care can be an adaptive action for many families. Sibling caregiving is a universal phenomenon and requires rigorous examination and exploration. Like other carers, siblings require support and services to fulfill their role's expectations. Nonetheless, the degree and kind of support and services needed by them remains undetermined owing to the lack of research. The author reviewed variables that can enhance and complicate sibling caregiving of individuals with I/DD through the application of the Push‐Pull model. The Push‐Pull model can help in understanding that the role and interaction of multiple influences can have methodological and pedagogical implications for sibling caregiving research, support programs, social law, and policy change. The author notes that the review can provide a foundation for future studies, and she recommends inclusion of siblings in family policies.