As Ireland joins the world in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognise that people with an intellectual disability are particularly vulnerable to the adverse outcomes associated with this virus. They have extremely high prevalence of co-occurring diseases across the entirety of adulthood. Older people with Down syndrome are particularly at risk, as many have pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory problems, confounded by a 55% risk of dementia in those aged 55+; this increases to 88% in those aged 65 years and older.
Additionally, we know that older people with an intellectual disability have smaller social networks and fewer social supports than the general population. Disruption to their routines due to COVID-19 places them at greater risk of social isolation and loneliness, and poorer mental health outcomes. Many who live at home with family co-reside with ageing parent carers, who themselves are among the higher risk groups for COVID-19.
There is significant worry about how to communicate about COVID-19 and also how to prepare this community for the best health outcomes.
Many people with an intellectual disability also have difficulty accessing and understanding health promotion information about risks and ideas like social distancing. Family and staff caregivers, clinicians and health workers need reliable, evidence-informed information appropriate to caring and supporting those with an intellectual disability.
Representing more than 20 years of intellectual disability research, our team has created accessible easy-read resources and videos, and links to useful materials created by others. These resources will help maintain the well-being of isolated individuals, and will support families and service providers to appropriately plan for the supports needed.
Working together, we can make a difference. Should you need additional resources on a particular topic, please reach out to us.
Together, let’s support the global intellectual disability community in combatting the ill-effects of COVID-19.
To get in touch with the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability team, please email Gavin Dann on danng@tcd.ie.
Professor Mary McCarron, Director
Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability, Trinity College Dublin
@ageingwithID
Creativity & Innovation During COVID-19 - Webinar an Exhibition
CATCH UP ON WEBINAR 7- Thursday 7 May 10:00
Creativity, innovation and resilience of people with an intellectual disability in responding to COVID-19
All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care is collaborating with the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability and The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Service, St Francis Hospice Raheny, and Tallaght University Hospital to deliver a Project ECHO AIIHPC webinar for Creativity, innovation and resilience of people with an intellectual disability in responding to COVID-19
Click here to catch up on all webinars and downloadable presentation slides
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Upcoming webinars
Thursday 7 May at 10am
Creativity, innovation and resilience of people with an intellectual disability in responding to COVID-19
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The people of Gheel services want you to stay safe, wash your hands, sit back and enjoy some of the activities that they have been doing while socially distancing. These simple steps will certainly contribute to the slow down of the virus #ItsInOurHands #COVID19 #coronavirusGheel Autism Services