Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Vol 82, Issue 11 666-668, Copyright © 1989 by Royal Society of Medicine

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

The family and disability--some reflections on culture: discussion paper

AO Frank
Department of Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow.

Severe congenital impairments in one child will affect the whole family, possibly for a generation if the child remains at home as an adult. Disability acquired in adult life will affect both partners as roles are gained or relinquished. For children this may result in a loss of parenting. The adjustment process to any psychological or personality changes may be very painful, particularly if children have no one outside the family to provide informed support. Acquired illness or disability in children may have enormous consequences for siblings, the health of the parents and the whole fabric of family life, often resulting in family isolation. In some Asian families, the feeling that the extended family unit is self sufficient and able to provide care may conflict with the ideal of increasing independence fostered by the professionals, and limit the possibility of support from social workers or psychologists. The extended family may reduce the need for statutory support. The expectation that care will be provided to old people by their daughters or daughters-in-law may be frustrated if the younger generation of women are disabled or otherwise engaged, resulting in possible family strife or rejection.
CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Z Antoun and A. O Frank Caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis Clinical Rehabilitation, July 1, 2003; 17(7): 804 - 805. [PDF]

				J. Gibson and A. Frank Supporting individuals with disabling multiple sclerosis J R Soc Med, January 12, 2002; 95(12): 580 - 586. [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Frank Impact of chronic illness on the family J R Soc Med, January 1, 2002; 95(1): 57 - 58. [Full Text] [PDF]

				C Sturge, A Frank, and T Coster Who cares for young carers? BMJ, June 4, 1994; 308(6942): 1510 - 1511. [Full Text]