Overview

The general practitioner (GP) has a role in engaging with the family of the ageing person with developmental disability and initiating early discussion about future care options. People with developmental disability, particularly those who are ageing or have cognitive impairment, often find it difficult to adjust to changes to their residential environment. Support to enable ‘ageing in place’ should be a priority, where possible. This ensures that the person remains in familiar surroundings, with familiar people and routines. See Support for ageing in place.

Social workers can assist in identifying suitable accommodation and aged care funding for people with developmental disability.

Residential care options include:

• high care residential aged care facility—access may be limited by social isolation, personal or financial resources
• low care residential aged care facility
• disability supported accommodation (group home)—if the person has National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding
• hostel—only suitable for those who are independent and able to cope with unstructured environments.

It is common for ageing people with disability to move into an aged care facility when family caregivers can no longer look after them. This environment may be unsuitable for some, and result in behaviours that staff and others find challenging. For advice, see Challenging behaviour. Consider also alternative accommodation, where possible.