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