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Social connections for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland: results from wave one of IDS-TILDA
- Authors:
- McCAUSLAND Darren, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 29(1), 2016, pp.71-82.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The literature on influences of community versus congregated settings raises questions about how social inclusion can be optimised for people with intellectual disability. This study examines social contacts for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland, examining differences in social connection for adults with intellectual disability and other adults. Materials and Methods: Data were drawn from the IDS-TILDA study in Ireland. A nationally representative sample (n = 753) included adults aged 40 years and older, with additional comparison with general population participants. Predictors of social contacts were explored. Results: Residence, level of intellectual disability and age were significant factors determining social contact. People in institutional residences, older respondents and those with severe/profound intellectual disability had the lowest levels of contact; older adults with intellectual disability had much lower rates than general population counterparts. Conclusions: Community-dwelling people with intellectual disability have greater social contact than those living in institutions, but levels are below those for other adults in Ireland. (Publisher abstract)
People with learning disabilities and ‘active ageing’
- Authors:
- FOSTER Liam, BOXALL Kathy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 2015, pp.270-276.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with and without learning disabilities are living longer. Demographic ageing creates challenges and the leading policy response to these challenges is ‘active ageing’. ‘Active’ does not just refer to the ability to be physically and economically active, but also includes ongoing social and civic engagement in the communities of which older people are a part. Active ageing should apply to all citizens, including the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. This literature based paper explores the focus of active ageing discussions in relation to the general population drawing comparisons with the experiences of older people with learning disabilities. It points out that older people with learning disabilities and their experiences are largely missing from broader policy discussions of active ageing. The paper concludes by arguing for inclusive research in active ageing which takes account of the concerns and interests of older people with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Keeping wartime memory alive: an oral history project about the wartime memories of people with learning difficulties in Cumbria
- Authors:
- DIAS John, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 27(1), 2012, pp.31-49.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In this article, the authors discuss an oral history project funded by the Heritage Lottery that recorded the memories of eight people with learning difficulties during the Second World War in Cumbria, UK, before their personal histories were lost forever. The process of emancipatory research is examined in relation to the main project findings. Some difficult issues were experienced by the team, such as the ill-health and death of participants, negotiating access with gatekeepers and concerns around decision-making. Cumbria experienced limited war activity, but people’s lives changed in subtle ways. This led to discussion around false/given memories; formal/informal interview processes and transcription/recording issues. The unexpected revelation of the study was the knowledge created around approaches to inclusion.
‘If we are going to include them we have to do it before we die’: Norwegian seniors’ views of including seniors with intellectual disability in senior centres
- Authors:
- INGVALDSEN Anne Kristen, BALANDIN Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(6), November 2011, pp.583-593.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The relatively recent increase in the number of aged persons with intellectual disabilities is challenging concepts of inclusion and participation. The aim of this study was to identify senior centre users’ views of the barriers and solutions to the inclusion of seniors with intellectual disability in community senior centres. Thirty seniors (mean age 75.7 years, 23 women) without intellectual disability participated in one of four focus groups. Data were analysed for major themes. These included benefits, perceptions of people with intellectual disability, barriers and solutions to inclusion, need for support and need for information. There appears to be agreement that seniors with intellectual disability could benefit from being a senior centre user. However consideration needs be given to this group’s need for assistance, staff education, economic resources and ways to overcome negative community attitudes towards people with intellectual disability.
Participation in daytime activities among people with mild or moderate intellectual disability
- Authors:
- DUSSELJEE J. C. E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(1), January 2011, pp.4-18.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Community participation is said to vary by gender, age and type of education. This study looked at whether this variation applies to people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and considers whether the severity of ID and accommodation type might also have an effect. Community participation is defined here as performing daytime activities while interacting with others. It is examined in the domains of work, social contacts and leisure activities among people with ID in the Netherlands. Data were gathered on 653 people with mild or moderate ID. Most took part in interviews and for the remaining 140 structured questionnaires were completed by a representative. The results suggest that the majority of people with mild or moderate ID in the Netherlands have work or other daytime activities, social contacts and leisure activities. However, those over 50 years of age or with more marked ID participated least. Few activities involved people without ID. The authors conclude that high participation among people with a mild or moderate ID within the domains studied did not necessarily equate to a high level of interaction with the community. They suggest that older people with ID and those with a more severe level of ID seem to be most at risk of social exclusion.
What is and isn’t working: factors involved in sustaining community‐based health and participation initiatives for people ageing with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- SPASSIANI Natasha A., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(6), 2019, pp.1465-1477.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) age, it is important that I/DD agencies are prepared to support healthy ageing in homes and in communities. This study explored supports and barriers to sustaining community‐based health and participation initiatives (CBHPI) for people ageing with I/DD living in group homes managed by agencies. The study utilized interviews and photovoice with 70 participants—35 individuals with I/DD and 35 management/direct support agency staff. Data were analysed through content analysis and triangulation of data where five themes emerged: Agency values and policies related to healthy ageing; resources and staff competencies; communication between management and staff; community/university partnerships; and peer relations. Findings show that I/DD agencies and people with I/DD value CBHPI, but they find them difficult to sustain due to limited resources and lack of training specific to ageing with I/DD. Conducting system‐level research within I/DD agencies to include first‐person accounts of people with I/DD, staff and management provides insight on how to effectively support the needs of people with I/DD to improve their health and community participation as they age. (Publisher abstract)
The relationship of person-environment fit to perceptions of autonomy, competency and satisfaction among older adults with developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- HUTCHINGS B. Lynn, CHAPLIN Erica
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2017, pp.214-223.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The overlay of age-related cognitive and physical impairments onto existing intellectual and physical disabilities, a paucity of informal social relationships, a limited education and low income levels place the current generation of ageing adults with intellectual disabilities at risk of premature behavioural limitations and increased dependency. Person-environment fit and its relationship to perceptions of autonomy, competency, and satisfaction were explored through qualitative data collected from consumers. Face-to-face, in home interviews were conducted with 91 consumers who were asked to assess their own ability to carry out self-care and household tasks. Interviewers then observed consumers performing these tasks. A multi-stage data analysis process identified emergent themes that included issues related to autonomy versus dependence, belonging versus isolation, residential permanency versus transience, and social inclusion versus exclusion. The study also collected quantitative data, both from consumers and interviewers acting as observers. Consumer ratings of their own ability were consistently lower than observer ratings. Fostering home-based independence and autonomy among people ageing with developmental disabilities are discussed in relation to perspectives on the home environment. (Edited publisher abstract)
An effective program design to support older workers with intellectual disability to participate individually in community groups
- Authors:
- BIGBY Christine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 11(2), 2014, pp.117-127.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The foreshadowed increase of older people with intellectual disability has become a reality in many developed countries. As these adults age, improved quality of life can be achieved through applications of conjoint policy aims of inclusion and participation. A transition-to-retirement (TTR) programme developed for employees of a large multisite disability employment service in Sydney, Australia, used these aims to effect successful partial retirement. The authors describe the program logic of the TTR, detailing its conceptual components as the first step to enabling it to be tested and replicated in other settings. The TTR programme has three components: promoting the concept of retirement, laying the groundwork for inclusion of would-be retirees with intellectual disability in the community, and constructing the reality. The third component comprised five stages: planning, locating a group, mapping new routine, recruiting and training mentors, and monitoring and ongoing support. The project's participants were 24 older employees, who replaced 1 day a week of work with membership of a community group and were supported by mentors who facilitated involvement of the participants in their group. Data collected provided information on the implementation of the program, the time and costs expended, and challenges encountered. Key to the model was a coordinator, skilled in generic case management and specific disability interventions (such as active support), who collaborated with others to manage the program. The authors note that by detailing the program logic underpinning the TTR programme, they have exposed the hidden work of supporting meaningful inclusion of people with intellectual disability in community groups and added to the limited stock of evidence-informed programs in this area. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mentors' experiences of using the Active Mentoring model to support older adults with intellectual disability to participate in community groups
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 38(4), 2013, pp.344-355.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: Social inclusion is a widely acknowledged goal; who is best positioned to provide support and how support is delivered are key questions. Using Active Mentoring training, members of community groups mentored a person with intellectual disability and supported their inclusion in that group. Methods: Interviews with 14 mentors explored their experiences of supporting a previously unknown person with intellectual disability to participate in their community group. Findings: The core theme was No Different From Us. Mentors saw beyond the disability, they valued others, were community leaders, and had intrinsic qualities. With some basic orientation to the task, mentors were able to support the inclusion of their mentee in the group. Conclusion: Community members are willing to support people with intellectual disability to join their community groups. The Active Mentoring training is one way of harnessing the goodwill of community groups and their members to include people with intellectual disability to participate on an individual basis in community groups. (Publisher abstract)
Ageing and intellectual disabilities: improving longevity and promoting healthy ageing: summative report
- Author:
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
- Publisher:
- World Health Organization
- Publication year:
- 2000
- Pagination:
- 21p.
- Place of publication:
- Geneva
Increased longevity has led to an increase in the population of persons with intellectual disabilities in the developed nations. However, national health provision schemes are often inadequate and do not recognise the special needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and, as they age, their health needs are not attended to in a manner equivalent to that of the general population. This report examines the general health status of adults with intellectual disabilities, identifies the conditions that support their longevity and promote healthy ageing, and proposes health and social inclusion promotion activities that would universally foster sound health and improve quality of life. It provides a summary of the main issues put forth in 4 reports prepared for the World Health Organization on healthy ageing in adults with intellectual disabilities which look at the specific areas of physical health, women’s health, biobehavioural, and social policy. Included in this summary are the main recommendations from the 4 reports for improving health and longevity among persons with intellectual disabilities.