TY - JOUR
T1 - An exploration of loneliness
T2 - Communication and the social networks of older people with cerebral palsy
AU - Ballin, Liora
AU - Balandin, Susan
PY - 2007/12
Y1 - 2007/12
N2 - Background: There is a large body of research focusing on the experiences of loneliness of older adults, yet little is known about the loneliness experiences of older adults with lifelong disability. In this paper, the authors present some findings from a larger qualitative study on the loneliness experiences of older people with cerebral palsy. Method: Seven older adults with cerebral palsy participated in in-depth interviews. Analysis of the interviews identified overarching themes and recurrent topics in the data. These topics were coded and then grouped under the overarching themes. Results: Six themes were identified. All participants agreed that the themes of communication and social networks are most important when considering loneliness. In this paper, the participants' discussion of these two themes and their related topics are presented. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the need to provide support and training in communication to older people with cerebral palsy who experience communication difficulty, as well as to their communication partners. They also indicate the need for policy development to assist older adults with cerebral palsy to develop and maintain their social networks and form relationships that are rewarding and enriching.
AB - Background: There is a large body of research focusing on the experiences of loneliness of older adults, yet little is known about the loneliness experiences of older adults with lifelong disability. In this paper, the authors present some findings from a larger qualitative study on the loneliness experiences of older people with cerebral palsy. Method: Seven older adults with cerebral palsy participated in in-depth interviews. Analysis of the interviews identified overarching themes and recurrent topics in the data. These topics were coded and then grouped under the overarching themes. Results: Six themes were identified. All participants agreed that the themes of communication and social networks are most important when considering loneliness. In this paper, the participants' discussion of these two themes and their related topics are presented. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the need to provide support and training in communication to older people with cerebral palsy who experience communication difficulty, as well as to their communication partners. They also indicate the need for policy development to assist older adults with cerebral palsy to develop and maintain their social networks and form relationships that are rewarding and enriching.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=36749025256&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/13668250701689256
DO - 10.1080/13668250701689256
M3 - Article
C2 - 18049975
AN - SCOPUS:36749025256
VL - 32
SP - 315
EP - 327
JO - Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability
JF - Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability
SN - 1366-8250
IS - 4
ER -