Profiles statewide program to support family caregivers of brain-impaired adults. Identifies major needs and problems of family caregivers and delineates service interventions to meet needs. Presents demographic data on major characteristics of over 3,000 family caregivers and cognitively impaired patients. (Author/NB)

Parents of 36 autistic children were assessed on child functioning and family stress variables in relation to use of respite care services. Results suggest that parents with more difficult children need and use respite care more than others. Nonusers of respite care reported a higher perception of social support than users. (JDD)

Children with disabilities receive most of their support from families. While most family caregivers are mothers or fathers, grandparents are increasingly providing care for children with disabilities. In addition, family caregivers come from diverse cultural backgrounds that impact their views on disability. This paper reviews the literature on…

Considerations related to the design and development of a respite care service delivery network for families of developmentally disabled persons are addressed. A five-component model for developing a respite care service network is presented, focusing on the need for competency-based service-provider training and parent involvement. Lastly,…

The author suggests three major factors which tend to influence stress on parents and potential marital problems associated with rearing a handicapped child: (1) Support received from family or significant others, (2) Periodic respite care, and (3) Counseling service sought early in the traumatic experience. Cited are studies showing parental…

The New Jersey State Department of Health, Gerontology Program, awarded grants to 32 adult day care centers statewide for the provision of specialized service for victims of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and their caregivers. The primary goals of the programs were to reduce caregiver burden through providing social supports and to…

Background: Parents of children and adolescents with both intellectual disabilities (ID) and psychopathology often experience high levels of parenting stress. To support these parents, information is required regarding the types of support they need and whether their needs are met. Method: In a sample of 745 youths (aged 10-24 years) with moderate…

Examined the utilization patterns of caregivers (N=597) to dementia victims when services were available. Identified and examined factors influencing service utilization, including amount of burden experienced by the caregiver, the degree of involvement in the care of the patient, and the amount of resources available. Respite-oriented services…

Background: Parents of children with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for stress and other mental health problems. The purpose of the present review is to consider the evidence base for psychological intervention to remediate stress in these parents. Methods: A selective review of interventions designed to reduce stress in parents…

Sixteen Israeli parents of young adults with mild/moderate mental retardation were offered a transitional training program which involved parent group sessions on future planning and, for the young adults, 16 overnights in a respite care program. Children enhanced their independent living skills; parents stress levels increased; and parents…

This guide, based on a qualitative research study which identified primary stressors in families of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), presents: (1) a summary of the needs of families affected by TBI; and (2) a proposed theoretical intervention model to meet those needs. The first section attempts to describe the present system of…

This final report describes the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Home/School Support project, an Oregon project which attempted to decrease stress in parents caring for school-aged children with TBI and to provide support to schools serving students with TBI. During its 3 years of development, the project involved over 50 families of children, ages…

This longitudinal study inventoried the types of services accessed by a sample of Alberta families of children with or at-risk for disabilities. We explored the role of severity of disability, parental stress, and family income on services accessed. With few exceptions, services were accessed more frequently as the children's lives progressed but…