The situation of older people with intellectual disability in Nepal: a pilot study

Abstract

In Nepal, the longevity of people with intellectual disability (ID) has increased during recent decades due to improvements in nutrition, sanitary conditions and health services. Definite national demographic information is unavailable on older adults with ID. This study draws from the case reports of nine adults and describes the general situation of adults and older adults with ID in Nepal. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with parents and professionals, site visits, observations, document reviews, and direct interaction with people with ID. The people chosen for inclusion, five women and four men, were the two or three oldest persons with ID within several catchment areas in the country. The findings were that the family is the prime resource for support for older people with ID, that the family's attitude plays a central role for the use of existing service provision, and that most parents of people with ID have made no plans for the future situation of their adult children (except that parents of adult sons with ID have often arranged or are planning a marriage for their son in order to assure his social security in adulthood and old age). Special services for older people with ID, as such, are not available in Nepal. Service structures do exist for children and adolescents with ID, although these services do not meet the demand and are not yet anticipating an adult or ageing client population.