Ageing Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Self-advocates' and Family Members' Perspectives about the Future

Abstract

Although the numbers of ageing adults with intellectual disabilities are increasing, current systems are ill-prepared to meet the unique needs of this population and research is needed to direct policies and practices aimed at supporting ageing adults with intellectual disabilities. This article presents the qualitative findings of research conducted in British Columbia (BC), Canada, which explored the future perspectives of 11 ageing adults with intellectual disabilities and 11 family members. Future concerns of the adults with intellectual disabilities included concerns for their ageing parents, for their future living arrangements, and about loneliness. Family members concerns centred on ensuring the future security of their loved one with an intellectual disability, addressing legal issues and financial security, and promoting future choice and self-determination. The results point to the importance of early and intentional planning that supports and balances the needs and desires of both ageing adults with intellectual disabilities and family members.

智障老年人越来越多，现行制度对与解决这个人群的特殊需求缺少准备，需要有研究来指导政策和实践以呵护智障老人。本文是在不列颠哥伦比亚做的定量研究，考察了11位智障老人及11位家庭成员的未来前景。对智障成年人的未来关怀包括他们的年长父母，他们未来的生活安排以及孤独。家庭成员的关怀集中于智障亲人的未来安全，解决法律问题和财政保障，促进未来的选择以及自主。研究者认为，重要的在于用早期而主动的计划支持并平衡智障老人及其家庭成员的需求和期望。

Keywords:

• Ageing
• Intellectual Disability
• Supports and Services

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the self-advocates and family members who agreed to participate in this project. This project was supported by the Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship and was funded by the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development and Community Living British Columbia. We would also like to thank the reviewers for Australian Social Work for their time and insightful comments.