e-Pedagogium 2011, 11(4):102-119 | DOI: 10.5507/epd.2011.053

Quality of Life Perceptions of Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the United States and the Czech Republic

Milan Valenta, Jan Michalík, Sharon Raver-Lampman, Anne Michalek

Caregivers of individuals with disabilities in the United States have been reported to experience additional hardships than families with typical children as they attempt to balance family and work (Parish, Rose, Grinstein-Weiss, Richman, & Andrews, 2008). In this study, 31 caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities from the United States and 225 from the Czech Republic completed a qualitative quality of life survey. Similarities in the two groups were found in reported gains and losses from caregiving responsibilities. Differences in perceived spirituality, personal sense of peace and serenity, life optimism, ability to rejoice in life, personal life perspective, health, financial changes, changes in family social life, feelings of enrichment, family caregiving responsibilities, and attitudes about the future were also revealed. The implications for supporting families through governmental programs and individualized services are discussed.

Keywords: Caregivers' perceptions, caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities, comparison of caregivers' attitudes in United States and Czech Republic

Published: August 1, 2011  Show citation

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Valenta, M., Michalík, J., Raver-Lampman, S., & Michalek, A. (2011). Quality of Life Perceptions of Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the United States and the Czech Republic. e-Pedagogium, 11(4), 102-119. doi: 10.5507/epd.2011.053
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