Supporting healthy ageing for people with intellectual disabilities in group homes: Staff experiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This study explores the perceptions of supported accommodation staff and their managers of the support needs of residents ageing with intellectual disabilities, and their experiences of adjusting services for this group in the context of individualised funding. Method Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 staff working in Australian supported accommodation services. Findings Four themes emerged. The first captured the staff’s limited understanding of ageing and the medicalisation of support needs. The second identified staff practices and adjustments to service provision to facilitate residents’ healthy ageing. The third described staff commitment to facilitating ageing residents to age in place, and the fourth identified staff challenges and opportunities in supporting ageing residents in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Conclusions Findings may inform the development of practice guidelines and training for supported accommodation staff, protocols for intersections between disability, aged care and health sectors, and adequate policy responses to support older residents’ healthy ageing.