Differences between male and female caregivers of mentally retarded adults have
not previously been examined. This study focuses on differences between a sample
of 54 male and 334 female caregivers of adult mentally retarded dependent persons.
We examine caregiver characteristics, characteristics of the mentally retarded
persons, caregivers'perceived caregiving ability and service planning and satisfaction. The findings suggest that mothers ranked their child's associated disabilities
as more severe. Fathers reported higher satisfaction with services and were more
concerned about their physical ability to care for their child in the future.
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