Caring for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia
By Lauri Scharf, Kirsten Fawcett-DubowJuly 7, 2021
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Articles
Caring for Loved Ones with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia
Caring for a loved one with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) already presents a unique set of challenges from those faced by most caregivers. When a loved one with IDD presents with changes in behavior, memory and sometimes mobility, those challenges are then joined with the challenges of being a dementia caregiver—and can often feel confusing, overwhelming and at times even too much to handle.
Videos
Bridging Conversations Between Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia
Guest speaker Kathy Service, Nurse Practitioner Consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), explores difficulties in diagnosing and distinguishing dementia in the IDD population, how establishing a baseline for function and cognition can provide clarity, and what factors can contribute to the development of dementia for people with IDD. She provides practical, evidence-based considerations for ways that families and other care providers can better navigate and become more knowledgeable, effective advocates in healthcare settings to enhance the well-being of individuals with IDD living with dementia.
Videos
Legal and Financial Planning for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities
Join us for an informative webinar discussing how older adults and people with disabilities can protect their assets against financial exploitation. Information includes how to properly draft powers of attorney, the use of trusts in legal planning, and the rules and guidelines of Medicaid.
Articles
Access to Resources in Ohio for Individuals Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Since 2022, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging has partnered with Ohio State University, the Ohio Department of Aging, and several other aging organizations throughout the state to develop critical resources for individuals living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers. This partnership has led to the creation of Ohio’s first Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias Statewide Resource Program, offering both virtual and in-person access to training, resources, and research on dementia and dementia care.
Videos
End-of-Life Decisions for Individuals with IDD and Dementia
This webinar, led by the Hospice of the Western Reserve, assists caregivers in identifying the value of and barriers to recognizing end-of-life in older adults and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and dementia. It also emphasizes the importance of Advanced Care Planning for caregivers, and provides tips for healthcare professionals to aid in end-of-life discussions.
Videos
Maximizing the Environment for Individuals with Dementia
According to the AARP, most Americans would prefer to stay in their homes until the end of their life. This statistic is no different for persons with dementia. Lack of safety and accessibility in the home are issues that need to be addressed so that individuals with dementia and their respective caregivers also have the ability to age in place. Occupational therapy professionals are trained health care providers that can provide formalized home safety assessments and recommend home modifications to increase safety and independence in the home. These efforts are also beneficial for community and business owners to consider and employ to further support individuals with dementia in the community.
Videos
Behavioral Interventions: When Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
This webinar incorporates the most current research about dementia care, effective practical strategies, and useful resources in identifying causes of common behavioral symptoms and effective interventions.
Videos
The Financial Fatigue of Caregiving: When Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
This informative webinar is for family and friend caregivers or supporters of persons with dementia. This webinar discusses the effects caregiving has on your finances, and how to effectively manage your finances while balancing multiple responsibilities. We cover how to have difficult conversations about taking on the financial role of caring for a loved one, estate planning and how to make sure your loved ones are protected against financial exploitation.