Preparation for Caregiving by Parents of Children with Disabilities: An Exploratory Study

Older adults who provide care for an adult child with a disability have rarely been considered in the planning and preparation literature. As they grow older, these adults face the challenge of arranging care for their dependent children and for themselves. This study investigated influences on planning for one\u27s own future care. Results indicated that parents who prepared for their adult child\u27s future care were more likely to prepare for their own care. When compared to adults without a dependent child, parents caring for an adult child with a disability were equally likely to plan for their own future care