不只是個孩子：雙老家庭中高齡智能障礙者家庭照顧經驗之探究

‘Not Just a Kid’: The Caregiving Experiences of Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Learning Disabilities in Two-Generation Elderly Families

本研究探討雙老家庭中高齡智能障礙者參與家庭照顧之經驗，共訪談20位中高齡智能障礙者，了解他們對於照顧父母的看法與實際照顧經驗，分析其在照顧家人時面臨的困境與挑戰。多數受訪者能認知父母逐漸衰老的事實，且多有照顧父母的意願。當父母體力退化或歷經喪偶，照顧關係隨之轉變，父母與智能障礙子女發展出互相照顧的關係。本研究亦發現中高齡智能障礙者參與多元的家庭照顧工作，包括家務協助、提供父母生理照顧、情感陪伴，以及家庭經濟支持。照顧家人時，他們面臨經濟負擔、資訊可及性不足、照顧知能有限及缺乏支持人力等困境。本研究以智能障礙者視角探討其家庭照顧經驗，深化雙老家庭照顧樣貌之理解。本研究亦挑戰將智能障礙者視為「長不大的孩子」之刻板印象，研究顯示智能障礙者也是潛在的家庭照顧者，需要家庭照顧支持。雙老家庭服務與家庭照顧者支持服務應正視智能障礙者的照顧意願與需求，提供適切的支持與資源。

The study examines the caregiving experiences of middle-aged and older adults with learning disabilities in two-generation elderly families, based on qualitative interviews with 20 participants. The findings reveal that individuals with learning disabilities recognize their parents’declining health and express a willingness to provide care. As primary caregivers age or become widowed, care relationships shift toward mutual caregiving. Participants engage in tasks such as household assistance, physical care, emotional companionship, and financial support. However, they face several challenges including financial strain, lack of accessible information, limited caregiving skills, and scarce support. This study challenges the stereotype of people with learning disabilities as‘perpetual children’, highlighting their potential as family caregivers. It calls for elderly and disability services to recognize their caregiving roles and provide appropriate support.