Informal Support Needs of Family Caregivers of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in India

Informal supports reduce stress and improve well-being for family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental (IDD) disabilities. A strengths-based mixed methods needs assessment was conducted with a convenience sample of 100 family caregivers in India to explore their informal needs and strategies for obtaining informal supports. Results showed that fewer caregivers received informal supports, and unemployed caregivers reported higher support needs for social interaction. Caregivers of adults who also had cerebral palsy were less likely to need opportunities to meet and talk with other caregivers. Caregivers believed that having more caregiver associations would result in better care provision for themselves and their family members with IDD. Seeking supports outside government/other formal systems seems like a promising family support strategy for caregivers in India.