MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Challenges in care and service provision for older adults with intellectual disabilities and complex age‐related conditions in Ireland


    Sheerin, Fintan, Fleming, Sandra, May, Peter, McCallion, Philip, McCarron, Mary, Naseer, Amara, Lalor, Georgia and D'Eath, Maureen (2024) Challenges in care and service provision for older adults with intellectual disabilities and complex age‐related conditions in Ireland. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 52 (2). pp. 248-259. ISSN 1354-4187

    Abstract

    Background: People with intellectual disabilities are living longer and are increasingly diverse, with health and care needs that are varied and complex. Without changes to funding, services have found it difficult to respond to needs and wishes. Method: A descriptive mixed methods design study, data were collected through questionnaire, focus groups and individual interviews from intellectual disability service managers, direct care staff and older people with intellectual disabilities and family members. Results: Continued reticence on the part of some community healthcare providers to treat people with intellectual disability was noted. Although some service innovations were noted, housing, staffing levels, staff mix and the timely provision of equipment were all reported to impact the ability of services to respond to changing needs. Current per-capita funding practices were reported as unresponsive to growing age-related complexity and fundamentally unsustainable. Conclusions: The health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disabilities are compounded as they age with complex age-related health needs. There is an urgent need for revision of the service model in Ireland and instigation of flexible and responsive approaches to funding.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: health; intellectual disability; research;
    Academic Unit: Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Subject Areas > Science & Engineering > Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Nursing
    Item ID: 21463
    Identification Number: 10.1111/bld.12572
    Depositing User: Fintan Sheerin
    Date Deposited: 23 Apr 2026 15:10
    Journal or Publication Title: British Journal of Learning Disabilities
    Publisher: Wiley
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads

    Altmetric Badge

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page