Experiences of Japanese Older Adult Mothers Caring for Children with Disabilities Who Live in Institutions

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the experiences of older adult mothers with children with disabilities who live in institutions.

Methods: This study used a qualitative-descriptive study design. Semi-structured interviews were administered to two mothers caring for children with disabilities living in a facility.

Results: Based on our results, the experiences among Japanese older adult mothers caring for such children were grouped into six categories as follows: “Strive to protect my child's rights and quality of life,” “Feeling the psychological burden associated with the quality of care for my child,” “Hoping that my child will receive comprehensive healthcare services in the community,” “Face the future anxiety of my child,” “Worried about changes in the whole family due to the aging of myself and my husband,” and “Seeking people and society who can entrust their children”. These mothers experience multiple anxieties, such as the future of their children, the aging of themselves and their husbands, and changes in the entire family.

Conclusions: It is necessary to provide psychological support to parents according to their developmental stage based on the life course of these children and their families. In addition, the results of this study require comprehensive high-quality services that protect the rights and lives of people with disabilities who can entrust their roles with peace of mind while maintaining as much as possible what the mother wants to give to her child as a parent, and people in the community and society that can realize it.