Abstract
Background: This study focuses on a unique population from the field of intellectual disabilities- people with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). It is estimated that 13.6% of the general population are people with BIF. They cope with many risk factors throughout their lives but receive little research attention. Also, the aging processes of people with BIF can affect their relationships with non-disabled siblings during this significant period, precisely at a time when the siblings are expected to take a more active and involved role in their care due to the aging processes and a change in the composition of their support systems as a result of aging or death of their main caregivers. Aim: This study aims to highlight and stimulate professional discussion about sibling relationships in old age from the perspective of the person with the disability. Methods: The research's sample comprises 20 people with BIF, ages 42-62, living in an out-of-the-home residential arrangement. Semi-structured interviews were employed and analyzed using a qualitative phenomenological method.Results: The study's findings revealed a complex description of the relationships: the interviewees presented the non-disabled siblings as their primary source of support in old age, both practically and emotionally. In addition, they also expressed their desire to remain autonomous and independent in their lives, as well as their perception of their relationship with their siblings. Conclusions: The discussion on the research findings raises a solid need to address tangent points between disability studies and gerontology to comprehensively understand the life experience and needs of aging and older people with BIF and provide appropriate services. In addition, an understanding was formed about the nature of the relationship that people with BIF seek for themselves with non-disabled siblings, in the future, in light of guiding principles such as self-definition and free choice. Finally, necessary operational steps that out-ot-the-home residential arrangement staff, policymakers, and researchers should take are emphasized to help people with BIF improve their quality of life and shape it in a way they deem suitable.
Translated title of the contribution | Emotional Closeness and Personal Autonomy: The Experience of Siblingship, from the Perspective of Adults with Borderline Intellectual Functioning, with Non-Disabled Siblings, in the Context of their Aging Processes |
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Original language | Hebrew |
Pages (from-to) | 79-100 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | גרונטולוגיה וגריאטריה: כתב-עת בנושאי הזיקנה |
Volume | נ |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 2023 |
IHP Publications
- ihp
- Adulthood
- Aging
- Autonomy (Psychology)
- Brothers and sisters
- Mental retardation
- Older people
- People with disabilities -- Family relationships