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Comparison of specialist and mainstream programs for older carers of adults with intellectual disability: considerations for service development
- Authors:
- BIGBY Christine, OZANNE Elizabeth
- Journal article citation:
- Australian Social Work, 57(3), September 2004, pp.273-287.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Older carers of adults with intellectual disabilities experience unique challenges. Outreach initiatives identify a high number who are unknown to support services and a case is made to proactively engage them to assist in future planning for their adult children. An earlier study by the authors suggested that, in Victoria, specialist case management programmes for older carers occupied a unique place within the service system. Discusses a study that further explored the functions of specialist programs for this group through a comparison with a mainstream disability case-management program. Few differences were found, although mainstream programs did not undertake outreach and community education functions. Models that build on the capacity of mainstream case management or carer support programs to work with older carers and target outreach more effectively are discussed.
Retirement or just a change of pace: an Australian national survey of disability day services used by older people with disabilities
- Authors:
- BIGBY Christine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 29(3), September 2004, pp.239-254.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Definitions of old age selected by researchers should reflect differences in culture and life expectancy within and between developing and developed nations. Fifty-five years was used to denote older people in both the Australian national survey and a Victorian study. Consequently, 55 years and older has been used to denote older people in this study. people with a lifelong disability are discussed. A postal survey of 596 day programmes for people with disabilities was conducted, with a response rate of 28%. Findings show that only 19% of service users were aged over 55, and the largest subgroup were people with intellectual disability. Many older people attended programs that were not age specific and a typology of the seven program types utilised was constructed. Individualised planning, flexibility and choice were perceived as fundamental to a successful program. The location of activities in the community, maintenance of social relationships, and opportunities to develop new contacts were also seen as important. Little understanding, however, of the diversity of the ageing process or notions of healthy ageing was demonstrated by service providers, many of whom had limited expectations of older people. Challenges identified in providing day support for older people were lack of financial resources, knowledge and expertise amongst staff, and difficulties interfacing with other service systems.
Ageing with a lifelong disability: a guide to practice, program and policy issues for human services professionals
- Author:
- BIGBY Christine
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 319p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Based on the author's 18 years' research experience and social work practice expertise, this guide provides up to date specialist knowledge about ageing with a disability in the context of the more mainstream knowledge about ageing processes. The author uses the concept of 'successful ageing' as a framework in which to consider the issues and practicalities for older people with a lifelong disability. She presents strategies for the various challenges involved in the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of ageing and proposes an integrated framework of service development and policy directions for the implementation of these strategies. Particular focus is given to lifestyle planning, encompassing subjects such as daily activity and leisure, housing and support, advocacy, case management and health. Consideration is also given to working with older parental carers of adults with a lifelong disability to support preparation and planning for the transition from parental care.