Service provision to older adults with developmental disabilities: A survey of service providers

A survey of service providers was undertaken to identify issues regarding t he provision of service to aging adults with developmental disabilities (DD ). Seventy-five questionnaires were sent to 38 agencies involved in the sup port of older adults with and without disabilities. Forty-four or 59 per ce nt of surveys were returned. Results suggested that service providers did n ot feel adequately trained to address many of the needs of aging adults wit h DD. Respondents requested additional training in dealing with such issues as the health and medical concerns of older adults with DD, and recreation al and retirement planning for aging clients with DD. Service providers als o required assistance from professionals such as psychologists and medical personnel who were knowledgeable about aging and/or DD. Results were consis tent with previous surveys in finding that training for service providers a nd medical/health care support were key issues. The information reported he re up dates and extends our knowledge of the needs of those involved in the support of aging adults with DD in the Canadian service sector and details the specific types of information and support required. Preliminary recomm endations for modifications to service delivery, policy, and educational pr ograms, are offered.