Fathers of adults who have a learning disability: Roles, needs and concerns

Abstract

Accessible summary• This study asked fathers of adults who have a learning disability about their experiences, what helps them and any worries they may have.• Fathers reported different experiences of being a father to an adult with a learning disability and talked about things that were helpful, such as their wives, grandparents, having information and hobbies.• Fathers were worried about the person who has a learning disability in the future.• Fathers can be important in supporting people who have a learning disability throughout their lives. AbstractBackground: There is little research that specifically relates to fathers of adults with a learning disability despite the social expectation that fathers will provide a supportive role over the lifespan.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven fathers of adults with a learning disability to explore their roles, needs and concerns. Data were analysed using a framework associated with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Results: Themes arising demonstrate that fathers were shocked at the diagnosis of learning disability but usually reported adaptation over time. The impact of learning disability upon men's lives, their perception of their adult child and the roles they assumed were varied. Fathers valued support from wives and grandparents, having knowledge and interests and work-type roles. All fathers were concerned about the future yet comprehensive futures planning was lacking. Some fathers reported difficulties in being emotionally open, and referred to societal stereotypes. Fathers valued positive support from service providers; however, this relationship was often in conflict. Conclusion:Although mothers are often the main carers for adults with a learning disability, fathers can make a significant contribution. The findings presented here support the results of previous studies regarding paternal response to learning disability and varied impact upon men's lives. Identified support strategies include leisure interests, volunteer/work roles, having information and support from wives and grandparents. Ongoing concerns incorporate the future and ambivalent relationships with service providers, which could have a negative impact upon the individual who has a learning disability. K E Y W O R D Sadults, concerns, fathers, learning disability, needs, roles | 267 DAVYS et Al.

The experiences of Dutch fathers on fathering children with disabilities: ‘Hey, that is a father and his daughter, that is it’

“…In addition to generation of income, employment also serves as a coping strategy, which agrees with recent research (Davys et al . ). Only a few other studies have explored the experiences of employed fathers of children with disabilities, which are inconclusive as to the nature of the impact on the labour market participation.…”

Supportive strategies for men who perform a care role: an occupational perspective

“…With consideration to the findings from this secondary analysis and previous research (Davys, Mitchell and Martin, 2017), services need to ensure that male carers are supported by strategies such as time away from the care role so that they can continue to use leisure interests to support their health and wellbeing, provide relevant and appropriate information such as condition management or relevant legislation and policy. Male carers should also be given the opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation if they wish to do so.…”

“…The overall methodological approach taken in each primary study was qualitative as appropriate in the exploration of individual experience and perceptions (Silverman, 2013). Davys, Mitchell and Martin (2017) took the stance of interpretative phenomenological analysis, whilst Collins (2018) used a framework of subtle realism. Ethical approval was granted from the University of Salford and gatekeeper organisations for each study before any data was collected.…”

“…The aim of this article is to present similarities in the experience of being a male caregiver from different role perspectives using secondary analysis of two studies, one related to fathers of an adult child who has intellectual disability (Davys, Mitchell and Martin, 2017) and the other on older widowers who have cared for their wives (Collins, 2018).…”

“…The aim of this article is to present secondary analysis of two specific groups of male carers, fathers of an adult child who has intellectual disability (Davys, Mitchell and Martin, 2017) and older widowers who have cared for their wives (Collins, 2018). The examination of these studies will consider if there is any commonality of experience between these two groups of male carers which may serve to inform service providers of their needs so as to enhance service provision.…”