Older adults with intellectual disabilities: Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions and functional dependence

Abstract

Objective: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions and level of functional dependency of adults aging with intellectual disabilities (IDs).Method: This descriptive study, conducted in 2015 at a living-in center of an institution in south Brazil, was approved by the research ethics committee of Santa Catarina Federal University.Data were collected by assessment form and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: The participants were 54 people with IDs aged 45 years or more, 77.8% with moderate DIs, of average age 48.19 years and 57.4% female.The MBI reported 83.3% as mildly dependent, although requiring command or some type of support and supervision.Conclusion: Care for persons aging with DIs requires technologies implemented on an inter-professional approach and respecting their individualities, so as to maintain their autonomy and independence.