Caring for diverse patient populations presents a lot of new and unique challenges for patients, providers, and family members. This week, I’m going to focus on one patient population in particular: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Throughout college, I have volunteered with and have been a peer mentor for the Best Buddies chapter at Union College. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that strives to support individuals with IDD by providing them with one-on-one friendships, employment opportunities, development of leadership and communication skills, and self-advocacy skills. Being a part of Best Buddies has been a very rewarding experience, and has also shown me some of the challenges that individuals with IDD face everyday.
Challenges
One of the challenges that individuals with IDD face is communication. Often times, they can have difficulty communicating effectively with others, which can prevent them from being able to express their thoughts and feelings to family members, friends, or even healthcare providers.
Integration into society and employment are also two major challenges (1). Many individuals do not have a post-secondary education and aren’t able to access resources that would allow them to obtain internships or other experiences. Additionally, the stigma that exists surrounding intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead to social isolation and negative perceptions of hiring individuals with IDD.
These challenges and more combine to leave individuals with IDD with increased mental health problems, little to no income, and lower levels of independence (1).
Role of Caregivers & Healthcare for Individuals with IDD
Many individuals with IDD live with their families and rely on them for financial and emotional support, as well as advocacy. However, there is not always enough support for families that are caring for individuals with IDD. Many families are expected to provide lifelong care, but this is not feasible in some situations and extra support is needed (2). In Albany, St. Margaret’s Center provides 24-hour care and support for children with disabilities. This includes pediatric care, group activities, and helping families navigate insurance and other services. This is a very helpful option for families of younger children with disabilities, and it would be great to see similar resources for adults with IDD that face some of the same challenges.
In healthcare settings, the challenges faced by individuals with IDD can lead to poorer health outcomes, even with advocacy by caregivers. Individuals with IDD face higher rates of co-morbidities and chronic conditions, as well as challenges in understanding their own healthcare issues and the services that are available to them. A lot of providers don’t receive enough training and don’t have experience in communicating with and caring for individuals with IDD (3).
Resources
Some additional resources for individuals with IDD, such as this Early Intervention Program in New York, are listed here.
While there are a lot of improvements to be made in supporting individuals with IDD and their caregivers, we can start by understanding the unique challenges this population faces and how these challenges create barriers to integration and care.
10,392 thoughts on “Caring for Individuals with IDD”
Valorant VP Satın Al
Valorant VP Satın Al
Pubg Mobile Random Hesap Satın Al
Pubg Mobile Random Hesap Satın Al
Everything you need to know about News is very much imptortant to us scam.
scam
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it! I also have my own blogs and websites you scam.
scam
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments scam..
scam
aving read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together scam.
scam
Comfortably, the blog post is during truthfulness a hottest on this subject well known subject matter. I agree with ones conclusions and often will desperately look ahead to your updaters. Saying thanks a lot will not just be sufficient, for ones wonderful ability in your producing. I will immediately grab ones own feed to stay knowledgeable from any sort of update versions. Amazing get the done and much success with yourbusiness results! kaufen Stahlwandpool
seo
you’ve got an important blog here! would you wish to make some invite posts on my weblog? Klebefolie Schrank
john
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments Lose Money.
lose money
you’ve gotten an unbelievable blog here! do you want to develop ask articles on my small website? PhenQ Reviews
peter
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving Lose Money
lose money
Comfortably, the blog post is during truthfulness a hottest on this subject well known subject matter. I agree with ones conclusions and often will desperately look ahead to your updaters. Saying thanks a lot will not just be sufficient, for ones wonderful ability in your producing. I will Lose Money.
lose money
subject well known subject matter. I agree with ones conclusions and often will desperately look ahead to your updaters. Saying thanks a lot will not just be sufficient, for ones wonderful ability in your producing. I will Lose Money.
lose money