Determining the Problems and the Methods of Coping with the Problems of the Mothers of Children with Severe Disabilities

Abstract

Individuals with severe and multiple disabilities (SMD) continuously need help and support from their family members due to havingthe limited abilities in demonstrating the skills to live independently. The biggest responsibility for meeting their needs belongs to their parents. In this process, identifying the problems experienced by parents, especially mothers who are the primary caregivers spending most of their time with their children would contribute to arrangement of the services provided for them. This study is intended to determine the problems experienced by the mothers of children with SMD and to identifythe means to cope with these problems. The research is designed in a phenomenological model based on qualitative research method. The data were collected through semi-structured interview technique. Five mothers of children with SMD were interviewed and the data were analyzed via descriptive analysis. According to the results of the research, mothers were experiencing problems related to diagnosis of the child, education, health, transportation, environment and family relations, financial difficulties, and future concerns. It was also identified that mothers felt lonely and weak and had very limited means in coping with theproblems they experinced.