2021 Volume 41 Pages 614-622
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the change in mother’s thoughts of siblings of children (individuals) with severe motor and intellectual disabilities living at home before, and after beginning the use of respite care.
Methods: The data were obtained from fifteen mothers of children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities in three prefectures of the Kinki area using semi-structured interviews. The interview data was recorded and analyzed qualitatively and inductively.
Results: The qualitative inductive analysis of the information pertaining to emotions before beginning the use of respite care produced two categories. They are [Remorse for the treatment of siblings of disabled children] and [I want to treat my children equally]. The emotions analyzed after beginning the use of respite care produced an additional two categories being, [The happiness felt by bringing siblings joy], and [The joy of seeing the siblings’ feelings change positively].
Conclusions: By using respite care, the mothers were able to experience the happiness of making the siblings feel joy. Through this the mothers were able to satisfy their own love, which also had the joy of helping the siblings to grow their love for the disabled children. Respite care was important in facilitating the restructuring of mother-sibling relationships and strengthening emotional ties.
