The juncture and disjuncture of service delivery systems in post-parental care planning for rural people with intellectual disabilities

Background Australian research indicates that post-parental care transitions are rarely planned and primarily occur following a crisis for a primary carer. This paper examines disability staff perceptions of transitions for people with intellectual disability and their ageing carers in rural South Australia. Method A focus group interview model was used, with a semi-structured interview guide initiating group discussions. A thematic analysis methodological approach was selected to analyse the data. Results This paper reports on the theme of Service Delivery, which has three sub-themes of Availability; Distance; and Individual Access. The key findings are presented and supported by the use of exemplar quotes. Conclusions This research indicates a poor intersection of general and specialist services is inhibiting post-parental transitional care for rural people. Simply allocating money to the individual does not resolve the issues, and the interface between different services needs to be better considered at government level.

Automated summary

This study examines the issue of transitional care for people with intellectual disabilities and their aging carers in rural areas. The research highlights the poor connection between general and specialist services as a major obstacle. The study suggests that better planning at the government level is needed to address this issue.