The experiences of ageing carers of adults with intellectual disability from Greek and Italian migrant backgrounds living in Australia

Introduction: People with intellectual disability (ID) are living longer and growing numbers are ageing in tandem with their ageing family carers. Amid increasing calls to support these families, the needs of those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds remain largely unknown. Some people from CALD families may have different cultural and religious expectations and experiences from the wider society in which they live. This research describes how older Greek and Italian first‐generation migrant families residing in Australia experience caring for an adult family member with ID.

Methods: In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were carried out n=19 carers aged 50‐91 from 4 Greek families and 10 Italian families, predominantly mothers and siblings.

Results: Emerging themes were: ‘it's our responsibility’, ‘uncertain futures’ and ‘the paradox of filial responsibility’. Older carers see it as their responsibility to care for their son or daughter with ID but face barriers associated with not speaking the mainstream language. The role of siblings is complex and requires further consideration.

Implications:More research is required with ageing parents and families of adult children with ID from CALD backgrounds. Future research should also investigate experiences of families from other CALD backgrounds to demonstrate the specific needs in relation to planning for the future care of their family member with ID as the parents/families become less able as they themselves age.