The Responsibilities of Adult Siblings of Adults with Dual Sensory Impairments

This study explored the responsibilities and concerns of six young adults in relation to their brother/sister with vision and hearing disabilities. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each of the six siblings. Interview transcripts were analysed qualitatively by identifying recurring patterns. It was found that although mothers were the primary carers the siblings played an important but secondary role in supporting their brother/sister with vision and hearing disabilities. The siblings assumed varied levels and types of responsibilities which were directed towards meeting both nondisability and disability-specific support needs. They expressed guilt about being unable to take a more active role. They were aware that there would be demands in the future to increase their support roles when their parents could no longer provide primary home-based care for the adult with disabilities. Although the siblings planned to undertake increased responsibility for their brother/sister in the future, they expected that this support would differ in level and kind from that of their parents.