482
various formats to meet the requirements of the various
regulatory systems.
Resources
Since the challenge of providing services to this population
is an emerging area of service delivery, it may be helpful to
consult current journals in geriatrics and developmental dis-
abilities, Periodicals such as Mental Retardation, American
Tournal of Mental Retardation, and Journal of the Association
for Persons with Severe Handicaps may be helpful. Also, the
Administration on Developmental Disabilities has funded
selected University Afiiated Programs to develop training
and service programs specifically for older persons with de-
velopmental disabilities. These programs offer multimedia
information and are available to train service providers in
providing appropriate care to elders with developmental dis-
abilities (Box 31-4)
Box tt
University Aretiiatep Prookams —
WITH SPECIEIC PROGRAMS FOR
OLpeR PuRSONS wire f
DEVELOPMENTAL Disaniirrizs:
+ Unversity Aft Progra for Developmental Dib, Ua
versity of Arkansas, James I Denais Development Center, 1612
‘Maryland; Lite Rock, AR 72202, (91) 569-3164
+ Mostar Cate for Child Deelaones, invest of Mian,
Schoal of Medicine, PO. Bex 01620, D-820, Miami FL 3310),
(20s) 547-5655,
+ Itt jor Saud of Developmental Disabilities, Indiana Univer:
sy. 2859 E1005 St Bloomington, IN 7408-2601, (812) 855
+ Bunce Sbriver Center, 200 Trapelo Road, Walther, MA 02125,
(617) 734-7508,
+ Inte for Human Development, Univers of Misous-Kaases
ity, 22200 Files St, Third Floor, Kansas City, MO 64108,
(6) 235-177
+ Strang Comer for Developmental Disables, University of
Rochester Medial Contes, 601 Ehnwood Ave, Rechestr, NY
14642, 716) 275-2966
+ Nout Dakoes Cee for Developrrntal Disabites Minot State
Universi. 500 University Ave, W Minot, ND 5K071, (701) #57
Case Studies
Case 1
Zachary is a 67-year-old man with mild-moderate mental
retardation and cerebral palsy of the spastic diplegic type.
He is able to communicate verbally. He lives in an interme-
iate-care facility and attends a day treatment program, As
«child, he walked with crutches and long leg braces. He had,
+hamstring lengthenings and heeleord lengthenings at age 10,
years and again when he was 14 years old, As he got olde,
Part Five PROGRAMS FOR PARTICULAR POPULATIONS
he continued to walk with crutches but without the braces,
By the time Zachary reached 60 years old, his gait had
slowed considerably and he was encouraged to use a wheel-
chair by the staff at his day treatment program. A manual
wheelchair was purchased for Zachary when he was 62 years
old. By 67, Zachary had gained 17 pounds and his wheel-
chair needed to be replaced. The range of motion in
Zachary’s legs had become more limited, making even
stand-pivot transfers difficult.
Planning and implementing a program appropriate for
Zachary involved a comprehensive examination as previ-
‘ously described. Through an interview with Zachary and his
‘care-givers, it was found that Zachary was somewhat de-
pressed regarding his inability to walk. He also was found to
hhave an interest in improving his ability to manage transfers
to and from the toilet independently, The care-givers stated
that Zachary enjoyed swimming and was independent in the
shallow water at the pool
‘The information gained from the informal interview was
enhanced by the structured interview of the PEDI, This data
coupled with the information gained from the neuromuscu-
lar assessment allowed the therapist to create appropriate
goals and a tealistic plan that involved the desires of Zachary
and his care-givers.
Independence in stand-pivot transfers was one goal. To
achieve that goal, the therapist instructed Zachary's care-
givers on performing tcansfers with the client and encourag-
ing greater assistance from Zachary. The plan involved hav-
ing Zachary practice this transfer each time he needed to use
the bathroom. To create a program that was more likely to
help Zachary reach his goals, the staff at the day treatment
program also received training and agreed to follow the plan
as designed. The therapist monitored progress weekly for 1
‘month and then monthly for another 2 months to ensure
progression toward the goal. Additionally, building on
Zachary’s interest in swimming, the team designed a swim
‘ming program that would (1) promote cardiovascular fit-
ness and weight loss and (2) improve lower extremity
strength. Both of these goals would assist him in reaching his
stand-pivot goal as well. Activities included swimming l
and practicing standing and walking in the water, The recre-
ational therapist monitored the program monthly with an
agreement to contact the physical therapist with any ques-
tions or concerns.
In collaboration with the social worker and physician, a
now, appropriate wheelchair was prescribed and obtained
for Zachary. Zachary and his care-givers were consulted to
ensure that the chair was functional for him and would be
easily transportable. The therapist assessed the wheelchair
ona quarterly bass for safety fit, and function. The therapist
taught the staff appropriate wheelchair care and
nance.
Zachary and his care-givers were pleased! with the pro-
gram because it took into consideration everyone's needs
and Zachary’s desired outcome, Zachary was pleased be
painte-
-Chapter 31 Otne Persons writ Deveronsten tas Disasiurris 483
cause he was ableto practice “walking” inthe water, which he
enjoyed. He was motivated to practice the stand-pivot trans
fer because he wanted to regain the ability to transfer inde-
pendent. This intervention program proved to be quite
successful. At the end of 3 months, Zachary had lost weights
was able to complete standing. pivot transfer with only
stand-by assistance; and his new wheelchair was modern and
streamlined, allowing him to maneuver in his home more ef
ficiently. The success ofthis program was due to the collab:
oration among al team members including Zachary and the
fact that it was based on Zachary's desired outcomes.
Case 2
Lisa is 71 years old and has a diagnosis of mild mental rtar~
dation. She lives in a community residential facility and at-
tends an integrated adult day care program ata local nursing
home, Lisa ambulates independently on all surfaces includ=
ing stairs. he is independent in activities of daily living, She
is able to take a bus to a destination, after she has been
shown three to four times. Lisa has always enjoyed riding a
stationary bike, but her knees and hips have begun to bother
her. She has been diagnosed as having osteoarthritis, and hee
physician suggested that she find an alternate activity to re-
place the stationary bike riding
‘Upon interviewing Lisa and the supervisors of her CRE, it
‘was discovered that Lisa once enjoyed swimming, but since
she had moved to this particular facility 7 years ago, there
had been no opportunity for this activity. The physical ther-
apist realized that Lisa was not in need of his direct services,
Dut he fele that she could benefit from a non-weight-bearing
cxercise program. The physical therapist collaborated with
the group home supervisor, recreational therapist, and social
worker f0 involve Lisa ina regular swimming program. The
social worker found a companion to accorapany Lisa on the
bas to a local indoor pool. The recreational therapist
arranged with the staff atthe pool to have Lisa participate in
a water aerobics class. The adult day care staf were made
aware that Lisa would be coming in late on Wednesdays and
Fridays—the days she would participate in the aerobics pro-
‘gram, The physical therapist was available to consult with
the home care providers, recreational therapist, and pool
staf, if necessary.
Lisa and the staff were pleased with the progress. Lisa ex-
perienced a problem often seen in the aging population, but
her developmental disability made it difficult for her to ac-
«ess appropriate care and activities. The therapist in consul
tation with other members of the interdisciplinary team
found an activity that Lisa enjoyed and created an effective
program for her. Through a collaborative effort, a program
‘was implemented that met the patient's needs
Summary
Information regarding aging individuals with developmen.
tal disabilities has recently begun to receive attention in the
literature, Older persons with developmental disabilities
have begun to be recognized by service providers and policy
rakers asa large heterogeneous group who require special-
ized services integrated into the service system of the geneva
population of elders.
‘This chapter reviewed the legal mandates and social pol-
icy impetus guiding service to this group. The role of the
physical therapist in examining individuals and assisting
team members with designing appropriate, holistic habilita
tion plans was presented. Although litte information is
available on specific aspects of the aging process in develop-
mental disabilities, aspects of aging in persons with Down
syndrome and cerebral palsy were discussed.
Physical therapists are in a unique position to assume
leadership roles in the care of elders with developmental dis-
abilities and develop integrated programs of habilitation.
Additionally, a critical role for physical therapists will be to
design and foster leisure skill programming for these per-
‘ons that will promote and maintain functional skill. Phys
ical therapists also are in a position to effect system change,
specifically recognizing the importance of leisure skill pro-
gramming and creating reimbursement strategies that will
take leisure skill programming into consideration.
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