Aging Parents

Abstract

This section of the chapter discusses aging parents of adults with an intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In most parts of the world, families continue to be the mainstay of support for their relative with a disability. Aging demographics present major public policy challenges particularly in terms of meeting the health and social needs of older people. Older-aged parents co-residing with their son or daughter with IDD, who are also aging, are in unique situations that require proactive support in order to avoid crisis in the event of a healthcare emergency. This section begins with a brief historical account that gives a context within which to understand the life experiences of this group of parents. In western developed countries, parents raised their children with IDD during an era when health care professionals commonly recommended institutionalization. Some of these parents persevered in raising their children at home and became pioneers in the development of community supports and services. In other countries, few if any publically funded services are available and families are left to their own devices to cope. Examples of older-aged parent situations drawn from research are used to highlight issues and concerns; predominantly those ensuring social supports remain viable with age and that parents engage in some form of ‘futures planning’. Lastly, there is discussion of a proactive role for physicians and other health professionals in working with older-aged parents co-residing with their sons or daughters with IDD to avoid crises arising.