Anne Frances Cronin, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (i/dds) now enjoy a similar life expectancy of other adults and are increasingly being seen by occupational therapy practitioners in nursing home settings. This population is especially vulnerable to functional decline in nursing home settings because of the limitations associated with their developmental differences, which compound the issues of aging and, for those adults placed in nursing homes for medical concerns, limit rehabilitation potential. This article focuses on interventions to help adults with I/DDs function as independently as possible after being admitted to nursing homes and improve their potential to return to community settings.
Learning Objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
1. Identify the potential influence of the nursing home culture on the functional performance of an adult with an I/DD.
2. Indicate the negative impacts of sensory and previously undiagnosed health impairments on functional performance and rehabilitation goals.
3. Explain why health promotion and prevention strategies should be integrated into occupational therapy interventions for adults with I/DDs.
4. Identify common causes of maladaptive behaviors.
Learning Level: Intermediate
Target audience : Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Content: Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistants
Reference Information:
Cronin, A., (2013). Adults With Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in Nursing Home Settings. OT Practice, 18(8), CE-1–CE-8
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