Changing existing services for older people with an intellectual disability

Abstract

This paper deals with the implications of the national study of older people with an intellectual disability conducted by Ashman, Suttie, and Bramley (1993). It draws attention to a number of the major findings and their relevance for service delivery to this target group of people and their families. In brief, it is argued that older people with an intellectual disability must be considered as individuals rather than as members of a homogeneous group, and that their personal circumstance and needs must be taken into consideration when programming recreation and leisure activities, and when planning their future residential placements. There is a need to be vigilant about medical and health needs as people age, and to consider ways of improving their problem solving skills and their involvement in decisions that will affect them.