Medical and health care needs of families providing in-home care for relatives with developmental disabilities.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to attempt to describe the health care needs of families providing in-home care to members with developmental disabilities as well as the characteristics and demographics of families providing in-home care. The survey included 761 families who participated in a federal demonstration project in rural southern Georgia. The results indicated that impoverished families need increased assistance to provide adequate medical and health care when providing in-home care to relatives experiencing developmental disabilities. Implications for administration of programs and development of policies are discussed.