NYSOFA Presents New Resource Guide to Help Older Adults Caring for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Logo

 

New guide presented during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March

For Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) presents a new resource guide for older adult caregivers of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DDs).

NYSOFA’s Future Planning Guidebook For Older Caregivers of Adults with I/DD is available online here. It connects older adult caregivers with information and resources to begin the process of long-term planning. This includes financial and legal tools as well as supportive programs and services.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, "If you are an older adult caring for an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities, this guidebook is here to help, connecting you with vital information and resources. In many cases, these services and options are available to people of all ages who are in a caregiver role. Please share this important resource today with anyone you know who could benefit.”  

The resource guide was developed with support from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC).

Older Adult Caregivers of Individuals with I/DD

Approximately 1 million individuals aged 60 or older in the U.S. are providing care for an adult with I/DDs, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome. As individuals with I/DDs experience longer life expectancy, their parents or other family members are also more likely to continue providing care later in life.  

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), I/DDs are differences which are usually present at birth and uniquely affect the trajectory of an individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems.

Intellectual disability starts any time before a child turns 18 and is characterized by differences with both:

• Intellectual functioning or intelligence, which include the ability to learn, reason, problem solve, and other skills; and

• Adaptive behavior, which includes everyday social and life skills.

The term "developmental disabilities" is a broader category of often lifelong challenges that can be intellectual, physical, or both.

Additional Resources

In addition to NYSOFA’s Future Planning Guidebook, please see the following resources for further information:

• Services and supports provided by OPWDD or OPWDD service providers can help individuals live in the home of their choice; plus, find employment and other meaningful activities in which to participate. 

• The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is an easy way to get connected to the services you need. The line is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals can call, text or videophone to 888-677-1199.

• Independent Living Centers (ILCs) provide an array of services that assist New Yorkers with all disabilities to live fully integrated and self-directed lives.