Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Older women with intellectual disabilities: overcoming barriers to autonomy
- Authors:
- STRNADOVA Iva, EVANS David
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 12(1), 2015, pp.12-19.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study aimed to identify factors both limiting and contributing to a perception of autonomy held by older-aged women with intellectual disabilities. A total of 55 older women with intellectual disabilities resident in New South Wales (Australia) and Czech Republic (Europe) took part in the study. The women were recruited via support groups, employment agencies for persons with disabilities, day centres, sheltered workshops, self-advocacy groups, and nongovernmental organizations. The women were interviewed and the data from the interviews were analysed following a grounded theory approach. The study identified two factors with potential to limit autonomy of women with intellectual disabilities: (1) intra-individual factors (e.g., health issues); and (2) environmental factors (e.g., living arrangements, finances). Drawing on responses from the women, the authors propose factors that may have a potential to strengthen autonomy among these women. The implications of the findings were reviewed and it is suggested that families and service providers should be made aware of ways to support autonomy of older women with intellectual disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
The social cost and rewards of caring
- Author:
- CLIFFORD Dermott
- Publisher:
- Avebury
- Publication year:
- 1990
- Pagination:
- 267p.,tables,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- Aldershot
A study of social services in relation to carers in Ireland, focusing on the Kerry area. Includes a literature review and an outline of study methods, and goes on to look more closely at carers of elderly people and mentally handicapped people. Explores the motivations of carers, and asks what positive experiences might be associated with long-term caring. Compares the Irish setting with similar studies in Britain, and the plight of female carers with male carers. Based on 76 case studies, outlined in an appendix.
Dark incontinence: the last taboo; the psychological aspects of incontinence
- Author:
- BRITISH PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
- Publisher:
- British Psychological Society
- Publication year:
- 1989
- Pagination:
- 12p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- London
Discusses the extent of the problem; costs; continence services; incontinence in women, the elderly, and mentally handicapped; public awareness and environmental effects on continence.
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.
Discussing the menopause with women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, MILLARD Lorraine
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.9-17.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Traditionally, little attention has been paid to the menopause as it affects women with learning disabilities. Consequently, older women with learning disabilities have rarely been adequately prepared for, or supported through, what for most women is a significant 'change of life'. None of the existing literature focuses on the women's perspectives, but rather, looks at menopause from a medical angle, in particular focusing on the timing of onset. The research study described in the present paper is an attempt to gain some insights into the ways in which women with learning disabilities perceive the menopause. The main informants were women with learning disabilities themselves, but also general practitioners, staff in learning disability services and parents who still cared for their middle-aged daughters at home. The research project also involved the non-disabled researchers working alongside two groups of women with learning disabilities, who acted as advisors and consultants to the project.
Life members: women with intellectual disabilities and aging
- Author:
- WALSH Patricia Noonan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 38(1/2), 2002, pp.121-135.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Reviews some of the dilemmas faced by women with intellectual disabilities as they age and are trying to stake out a place in their communities. The article draws on recent testimony of older women themselves, their carers and advocates about optimal paths to healthy ageing. The author suggests that more flexible, individualized forms of support are likely to enhance the quality of longer lives and that supports for women with intellectual disabilities can be appraised in terms of efficacy in strengthening women's membership of their respective communities as they age. The author speaks to the implications for best practice on the part of professionals and othercarers who work with and support women as they age and proffers suggested research strategies for future women's studies.
Health, age, and gender: how do women with intellectual disabilities fare?
- Author:
- ANDERSON Deborah J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 38(1/2), 2002, pp.137-159.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The 1994-1995 Disability Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey (administeredto a representative sample of the U.S. population) was analyzed for women age 30 and older with intellectual disabilities (ID), developmental disabilities (DD) or both, in order to describe their functioning as they aged in the community. Definitions of ID and DD consistent with professional and legal standards were developedand adapted to the NHIS-D questions. An estimated .56% of the approximately 77 million civilian, noninstitutionalized, women age 30 and older in the United States have one of these disabilities. Compared with women in general,women with these disabilities had negative perceptions of their health status, particularlywomen with DD and health indicators tended to support their perceptions. Most were independent in activities of daily living , but instrumental activities of daily living posed more of a callenge, and limitations in major activities were common as was a high rate of distress and psychosocial difficulties.
Going through the menopause: perceptions and experiences of women with intellectual disability
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(4), December 2002, pp.281-295.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article explores the perceptions, experiences and support needs of women with intellectual disability as they go through the menopause. Findings are presented from semi-structured interviews with 15 women with mild to moderate intellectual disability aged 43-65 years. Levels of knowledge about what the menopause was, when it happened, and whether it happened to all women, were found to be generally low. More significantly, the majority of the women did not understand the significance of the menopause on a woman's reproductive capacity. The women's experiences of change and transition were on a predominantly physical level, with some emotional effects, but little or no psychological and social impact noted.
Responses to women with learning disabilities as they go through the menopause
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 7(1), January 2002, pp.4-12.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The research investigated how women with learning disabilities understand and experience the menopause, and the support available. This paper reports the experiences and attitudes of those people to whom women with learning disabilities might turn for support. GPs generally reported re;actively little experience in treating women with learning disabilities for menopause-related symptoms and some recognised the need for pro-active work. Carers played a key role on facilitating women' s access to primary health care. Staff in residential and day services recognised the role they played in supporting women through the menopause, but were hampered by lack of time and resources. Mothers of middle-aged women with learning disabilities and viewed this transition positively. The need for specialist educational materials was emphasised by all who took in this research.
Healthy ageing - adults with intellectual disabilities: women's health and related issues
- Authors:
- WALSH P.N., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2001, pp.195-217.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This report has been prepared by the Ageing Special Interest Research Group of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and the Programme on Ageing and Health, World Health Organisation (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland. Explores factors related to well-being and quality of life for women, examines and defines sex-linked differences in their life experiences and opportunities and to define their distinctive vulnerabilities - including research on health status and access to healthcare.