Clinical Concepts

Minimizing Health Risks Among Older Adults With Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: Clinical Considerations to Promote Quality of Life

Joan Earle Hahn, PhD, APRN, GCNS-BC, GNP-BC, CDDN

  • Journal of Gerontological Nursing
  • June 2012 - Volume 38 · Issue 6: 11-17
  • DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20120510-01
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Abstract

The number of individuals aging with lifelong intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) is increasing and is expected to double by 2030. People with I/DD have faced a number of health disparities, including health care professionals unprepared to meet their health needs. This article will review age- and health-related clinical considerations among individuals aging with I/DD. The aim is to provide nurses with suggested interventions that promote health, prevent secondary conditions, and foster person-centered care among individuals aging with I/DD to help them live healthy and meaningful lives in their later years.

AUTHORS

Dr. Hahn is Associate Professor, University of New Hampshire, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Nursing, Durham, New Hampshire.

The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Joan Earle Hahn, PhD, APRN, GCNS-BC, GNP-BC, CDDN, Associate Professor, University of New Hampshire, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Nursing, 4 Library Way, Hewitt Hall 279, Durham, NH 03824-3563; e-mail: Joan.Hahn@unh.edu.

Posted Online: May 18, 2012

doi: 10.3928/00989134-20120510-01

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