Abstract
Background: Enduring family engagement and informal support is crucial to the health and well-being of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) residing in supported accommodation. The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive measures enforced in residential settings have resulted in changes in daily routine and modified the ways families can interact with and provide support to residents. Yet, the impact of these changes has not been empirically explored. Aim: Explore how family caregivers have interacted with and supported their relatives with DD residing in supported accommodation during the pandemic. Methods: Changes in frequencies of communication modes and types of informal support were measured through a cross‐sectional and anonymous online survey which completed by 108 family caregivers of adults with DD. Results: Most family caregivers adopted remote communication technologies; however, these were not perceived to be effective in filling the gap created by reduced face-to-face contact. While families were able to provide emotional support and advocacy using digital technologies, they were limited in their ability to provide significant social support. Conclusions: Findings may help key stakeholders develop and implement novel strategies and policies to accommodate the changing circumstances and to ensure continuity of family engagement and informal support in the context of COVID-19.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 103812 |
Journal | Research in Developmental Disabilities |
Volume | 108 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2020 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
- COVID-19
- Developmental disabilities (DD)
- Family
- Informal support
- Supported accommodation
- Technology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology