Supporting Older Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Perceived Effectiveness of Peer Mentors

This study’s purpose was to determine the effectiveness of relationships between a family support navigator (FSN) and older caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participated in a family support project. The Beach Center’s Family Professional Partnership scale modified for use with older caregivers ( N = 96) was found to be valid and reliable. Two factors (FSN skills and family needs) emerging from the exploratory factor analysis explained 77% of the variance in FSN satisfaction. Most caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied with their FSNs’ ability to build upon their family’s strengths. Analysis of the open-ended comments of caregiver experiences with FSNs yielded four themes (person, process, challenges, and relationships) that supported caregiver satisfaction with peer mentoring.