It's different in the country: Supporting ageing-in-place for people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Background: Dramatic improvements in life expectancy have led to a large cohort of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) who are ageing. To date, there is limited comparative research across metropolitan and rural regions with respect to understanding issues faced by ageing individuals with disabilities and their carers. Method: The purpose of the current study was to explore key dimensions that enable or impede ageing-in-place options in metropolitan and rural regions. This included understanding the complex range of issues in healthy ageing and the interplay of health, social and support factors. This project utilised a mixed-methods study design aligned with principles of inclusive research. The study consists of 2 distinct stages: Stage A saw semi-structured interviews undertaken with individuals with ID and their carers. The sample comprised of participants who lived in the community and those who had moved to residential care facilities. The focus of these interviews was to assess the "enablers and impediments" to successful ageing-in-place for people with ID. Stage B was a semi-structured survey of health professionals. The questionnaire covered information on demographics, training and training needs (both pre-service and in-service), knowledge on issues ranging from disability, ageing, bereavement, as well as mental and emotional well-being. Results: Preliminary findings of the research detail the factors that have supported or hindered successful ageing-in-place for people with ID. There were key similarities and differences for individuals residing in rural and metropolitan areas. Conclusions: As the life expectancy of people with ID continues to rise, there is an increasing need for support models that meet individual needs. Models need to be based upon information gained from inclusive research to ensure the complex needs are appropriately addressed in both rural and metropolitan localities.