AOTA

Brian D. Scaife, OTD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Jennifer E. Lape, OTD, OTR/L

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA

SueAnn Woods, MOT, OTR/L, CHT

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Abstract:
As the average life expectancy increases in the general population, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are also experiencing an increase in life expectancy. This means that many are living with or have to manage symptoms related to their disability as well as symptoms associated with age-related declines and comorbidities. Because of these age-related changes and acute illnesses, they are often admitted to skilled nursing facilities for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Caregiving staff in these facilities often become frustrated with these clients’ behaviors and, at times, with what is perceived as refusal of therapy. This article explores various occupational therapy evaluation treatment methods and theories to assist occupational therapy practitioners in treating these individuals.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Identify the historical policies that have affected care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

2.  Describe challenges to addressing occupational therapy goals among adults IDD in the long-term-care setting

3.  Identify triggers to challenging behaviors among adults with IDD in the long-term-care setting

4.  Select strategies for addressing challenging behaviors among adults with IDD in the long-term-care setting

Learning Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Target Audience: Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Content Focus: Domain: Client Factors; OT Process: Occupational Therapy Interventions

Reference Information:

Gantman Kraversky, Diana, OTD, MS, OTR/L, AP

Scaife, Brian D., OTD, OTR/L; Lape, Jennifer E. OTD, OTR/L; Woods, Sue Ann, MOT, OTR/L, CHT

(CEA December 2019) Working With Older Adults With Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in Long-Term Care