Abstract
People with intellectual disability are living longer and requiring new levels of support as they age. For some this may mean a transition from the family home to formal support services, which requires consideration of individual preferences as well as how to best meet their needs. This research aimed to identify the perspectives of people with intellectual disability on their experiences of a residential service and how their support needs may change with age.
A qualitative descriptive methodology informed semi-structured interviews@conducted with people with intellectual disability aged over 20 years who were supported by a residential service. Eight participants who met the criteria were interviewed and data collected was analysed using thematic analysis.
Two key themes were highlighted as part of the findings: Experiences of a Residential Service and Perceptions of Ageing. Experiences of a Residential Service was made up of the categories Important people, fulfilling activities, and Shared living spaces, and Perceptions of Ageing included the categories Current self Myself now, Perceptions of older people, and The self and ageing.
The findings informed the discussion which alongside relevant literature gives recommendations for service providers in the New Zealand context. The discussion includes topics such as the maintaining relationships for those supported by residential services, and the support that may be required in instances of bereavement and in romantic relationships. The importance of choice in the day-to-day decision making and supporting individuals to develop decision making skills was discussed, as well as the important activities that occupy time and provide meaning. Changes with age and the resulting changes in support needs identified opportunities for future research in planning for the future with individuals with intellectual disability.
The limitations of the study included the small, localized sample, and a lack of diversity within the sample. Despite the limitations, this research has contributed to the existing literature on ageing in people with intellectual disabilities, providing perspectives from those supported by a residential service.