The Effects of Offspring Gender on Older Mothers Caring for Their Sons and Daughters with Mental Retardation

Abstract

Most caregivers of adults with mental retardation are older women, yet information is sparse regarding the nature of this support. In this study we explore the relationship between offspring gender and caregiving by older mothers. Of the 235 caregivers interviewed, no demographic differences were found between mothers with daughters and sons. Despite these similarities, we found mothers less likely to use day services for their daughters. Mothers with daughters were more likely to feel burdened by caregiving and expressed a need to be constantly vigilant. However, mothers received the most help from daughters with household tasks. Gender differences have implications for outreach to, and services for, these families.

Psychiatric Morbidity, Perceived Stress and Ways of Coping Among Parents of Children With Intellectual Disability in Lahore, Pakistan

“…The gender of the child mediates the stress experienced by parents. Compared to some studies highlighting the burden of taking care of daughters with ID to be more stressful [ 11 , 22 ], we found parents of boys had higher depression and anxiety levels. This could be related to the gender norms in the Pakistani culture.…”

Aging Parents Helping Adult Children: The Experience of the Sandwiched Generation*

“…Lillian Troll (1983) described grandparents as “family watchdogs” who monitor the status of their families and provide help as needed. Researchers have documented the extensive help given by older adults to their grandchildren (Baydar & Brooks‐Gunn, 1998; Fuller‐Thomson, Minkler, & Driver, 1997) and adult children with disabilities (Fullmer, Tobin, & Smith, 1997; Seltzer & Krauss, 1994). In addition, older adults provide assistance to adult children during times of crisis.…”

Families in the Middle and Later Years: A Review and Critique of Research in the 1990s

“…One aspect of the caregiving literature receiving greater attention was older parents as caregivers. For example, the increased longevity of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and the advances in treatments for persons with mental illness brought attention to issues facing lifelong caregivers (Fullmer, Tobin, & Smith, 1997; Pruchno, Patrick, & Burant, 1996; Roberto, 1993; Seltzer, Greenberg, & Krauss, 1995). The contributors to Seltzer and Heller's (1997) special issue of Family Relations addressed heterogeneity in the roles and experiences of late‐life family caregivers, noting the importance of cultural context, type of disability, background of the family, and relationships with formal services.…”