Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are a complex population that could benefit from improved care coordination across health and social sectors, as they experience poorer health and have higher rates of emergency department use and hospitalization due to ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. ⋯ A tailored care-coordination approach for adults with IDD was able to identify complex patients in need and successfully bridge cross-sectoral care.
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Review
Approach to providing care for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To provide an approach to caring for aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the context of the onset of new or worsening chronic illnesses and the need for planning for the end of life. ⋯ Primary care physicians can provide and coordinate appropriate care for patients with IDD as they face the health challenges associated with aging and dying. Being aware of patients' baseline cognitive abilities and decision-making skills, as well as changes in cognitive abilities associated with aging and complexity of illness, will help determine patients' capacity to consent, identify appropriate treatment choices, and guide coordination of care. Further research and consensus statements are needed to guide best practices based on the Canadian experience and to allow continuing development of caring, professional, and competent providers to support aging adults with all levels of IDD.