Posted on 10,450 Comments on Caring for Individuals with IDD

Caring for Individuals with IDD

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).

History of the Best Buddies Keith Haring Logo - Best Buddies ...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.

10,450 thoughts on “Caring for Individuals with IDD”

  3. Diving into yacht rentals is a fantastic way to explore the ocean in style! It’s essential to first figure out your requirements like the size of your group, specific amenities you desire, and how long you plan to spend on the water. Setting a clear budget is crucial as costs can vary widely based on these factors. Always read reviews to ensure you choose a reputable charter service.

    For your route, it’s a good idea to discuss with the rental company to identify scenic spots and optimal sailing itineraries. If you’re looking for a reliable rental service, check out https://boatyachtrentalmiami.com. They offer excellent service and a wide range of options. Enjoy your yachting adventure!

    Reply

  4. Your writing creates a sense of intimacy and connection with your readers. Thank you for sharing this post. philboss

    Reply

  5. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work 오피아트

    Reply

  12. Excellent. I really love this article. I thank you very much for reading and understanding the material you mentioned.
    123bet vip

    Reply

  13. Oh my goodness! a great post dude. Thanks However My business is experiencing problem with ur rss . Do not know why Struggling to enroll in it. Is there everyone acquiring identical rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx wedding car rental

    Reply

  15. Rose Home Air Freshener

    Rose Home Air Freshener sounds delightful! Its long-lasting rose scent seems perfect for creating a serene ambiance. Plus, it’s great to hear that it eliminates unpleasant odors while simultaneously enhancing the atmosphere. With such a lovely fragrance, it’s no wonder it adds a charming touch to any space!

    Reply

  17. After study a few of the blog posts for your web site now, and i also genuinely as if your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will also be checking back soon. Pls check out my web page also and tell me what you consider. adult metal bunk beds

    Reply

  18. Rose Home Air Freshener sounds delightful! Its long-lasting rose scent seems perfect for creating a serene ambiance. Plus, it’s great to hear that it eliminates unpleasant odors while simultaneously enhancing the atmosphere. With such a lovely fragrance, it’s no wonder it adds a charming touch to any space!

    Reply

  19. Rose Home Air Freshener

    The Rose Home Air Freshener sounds delightful! Its long-lasting rose scent seems like a perfect way to create a serene ambiance in any space. Plus, its ability to eliminate unpleasant odors while adding a touch of elegance to the atmosphere is definitely a winning combination. It sounds like a product that can enhance the overall feel of a room and leave a lasting impression with its refreshing fragrance.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to chinayadongnet Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *