The Gerontologist, Vol 37, Issue 6 795-803, Copyright © 1997 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

The effects of offspring gender on older mothers caring for their sons and daughters with mental retardation

EM Fullmer, SS Tobin and GC Smith
Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Charlotte 28223, USA.

Most caregivers of adults with mental retardation are older women, yet information is sparse regarding the nature of this support. In this study we explore the relationship between offspring gender and caregiving by older mothers. Of the 235 caregivers interviewed, no demographic differences were found between mothers with daughters and sons. Despite these similarities, we found mothers less likely to use day services for their daughters. Mothers with daughters were more likely to feel burdened by caregiving and expressed a need to be constantly vigilant. However, mothers received the most help from daughters with household tasks. Gender differences have implications for outreach to, and services for, these families.