Aging and Transitions Project
Project Description:
People with developmental disabilities in Arizona comprise a population that is growing, aging, and becoming increasingly diverse. Research has suggested that given the current trends, adults with developmental disabilities (DD) can expect to have life spans comparable to their age peers in the general population (Anderson et al, 1998; Horowitz et al, 2000). Braddock (1999) estimates that two-thirds of the individuals (3.17 million) with DD living in the US receive care in the home from family caregivers. It is also estimated that 25% are over 60 years of age (Braddock & Fujiura, 1998). These changing demographic and geographic profiles require that aging caregivers make plans for the future care of their family member with a developmental disability.
The Sonoran UCEDD project is designed to describe and address barriers to effective late life transitions for aging caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities and aging individuals with developmental disabilities. Project research has included a study of aging caregivers with Five focus groups and twenty-five individual interviews will be conducted with aging primary caregivers/advocates who are age 55 and older. Statewide survey of DD support coordinators regarding knowledge and comfort with future planning and developing resources for families based on the outcome of the above research.
The significance of the study is that the data will 1) serve as a base for developing culturally sensitive educational materials for caregivers on how to plan for their family member?s future care; 2) lead to increased understanding of the unmet needs of aging caregivers and people with DD; and 3) promote effective transitional planning policy in Arizona (as a part of Sonoran UCEDD project).
Keyword(s):
aging caregivers elderly life transitions
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
