Family carers’ opinions on learning disability services

Sardi, I. et al (2008) Family carers’ opinions on learning disability services. This is an extended version of the article published in Nursing Times; 104: 11, 30-31. BACKGROUND: Parents and family carers of people with learning disabilities should be involved in strategic planning to ensure that policy and service developments reflect their needs. AIM: To answer the question ‘What are the views of parents and family carers within the unitary authority regarding current and future service developments?’ METHOD: Twenty-nine participants took part in focus groups, and semi-structured interviews were held with a further four participants. These were taped, the data transcribed and transcripts read by two members of the research team to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: Participants highlighted difficulties such as lack of information, the need to be proactive and having to fight for service provision. They found it hard to identify their hopes for the future and fears often centred on what would happen to their relatives after they could no longer provide support. CONCLUSION: While some progress is evident, further development is needed if services are to meet the needs of parents and family carers. Developing effective mechanisms for seeking their views is central to this process.