Support Needed By Workers Providing Care To Children With Cognitive Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Cognitive disability is a concerning health issue. It affects not only the mental functioning, but also the physical and social wellbeing of a person; children and adults are affected. An affected child needs the permanent care of a worker, who experiences strain due to the challenges associated with caring for such a child. In addition, workers have unaddressed needs. Little is known about these challenges and needs, hence the study. This study is a systematic review of content on support needed by workers providing care to children with cognitive disabilities globally. The objectives of the study were to examine the challenges faced by and needs of workers providing care to children with cognitive disabilities and to make recommendations to ensure challenges and needs are addressed. A systematic review was conducted using five steps, as follows: conceptualising clear questions for critique, collecting and categorising data, evaluating, summarising evidence, and discussion. Relevant studies identified by search engines were consulted. The findings reveal challenges faced by workers providing care, such as lack of knowledge about intellectual disability, the burden of caring, lack of assistance and support, stigma attached to caring, social exclusion, physical and emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem, self-blame, and the unavailability of resources and services. Recommended support entails interventions, programmes and relevant policies aimed at positively addressing challenges experienced. The findings of this study add value to future studies aimed at developing programmes, models and interventions that support workers caring for children with cognitive disabilities.