As we age, navigating the various support services available for individuals with disabilities can be both challenging and overwhelming. It is important to find the right services that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs in order to ensure they receive the best possible care and support. We will explore different types of support services available, ways to find appropriate services, and steps for taking action once a plan has been established.
Aging with a disability presents challenges that many of those without disabilities may not experience—both physical and social. As one’s body changes due to the natural — or accelerated because of the disability–aging process, individuals need services to help them cope with these changes, such as medical care and physical therapy; however, finding and maintaining adequate support services can often feel like an insurmountable feat. Without proper navigation and access to dependable resources, even simple activities like going grocery shopping or receiving medical treatment become incredibly difficult. The importance cannot be overstated when it comes to finding the right services for an individual’s needs as they age to ensure their health, comfort, and peace of mind.
Types of Support Services Available
There are a variety of services available for aging individuals with disabilities, including in-home care, support groups, legal assistance, job training, and placement programs, transportation systems, and more. It is important to research the different options available to ensure that each service meets the needs of an individual as they age. Additionally, one should take the time to consider their budget and the cost of services; many times, there are local agencies or organizations that may provide low-cost or free services.
Once a list of possible service options has been established, it is then important to explore each option further. It is beneficial to research different providers in order to find ones that have experience working with aging individuals with disabilities and understand their unique needs. Additionally, talking to other individuals who have utilized services in the past can be a great source of information.
Once an individual has decided on the best service providers for them, it is important to take action and put into place the services that have been selected. Each provider should be contacted and informed of the individual’s needs. This includes making sure that the provider is aware of any special accommodations that may be necessary, as well as discussing payment options and other logistics. It is also important to create a plan for regularly monitoring the services received in order to ensure they are meeting an individual’s changing needs over time.
Finding Appropriate Services
Finding the appropriate support services is a vital part of ensuring that aging individuals with disabilities can receive the care they need. It is important to research various options and take time to talk with providers to ensure that an individual’s needs are being met. Additionally, it is beneficial to explore local community resources such as churches or non-profit organizations that may offer services or provide additional support. Taking the time to find the right services can make a world of difference in an individual’s quality of life.
Taking Action
Once an individual has taken the time to explore different service options and locate appropriate providers, it is important to take action and put into place those selected services. This includes contacting the providers and discussing payment options, as well as creating a plan for regularly monitoring how these services are meeting an individual’s changing needs over time. With proper navigation of service options and access to dependable resources, individuals with disabilities can age gracefully, despite any physical or social challenges they may face.
Developing A Plan
When it comes to finding the right support services for aging individuals with disabilities, it is important to establish a plan. This includes researching different service options available and taking the time to talk with providers in order to ensure that their needs are being met. Additionally, exploring local community resources such as churches or non-profit organizations can provide additional support. Finally, once an individual has taken the appropriate steps for selecting and putting into place a particular set of services, they should create a plan for regularly monitoring how these services are meeting their changing needs over time. With proper planning and access to dependable resources, individuals with disabilities can age gracefully despite any physical or social challenges they may face.
Developing A Support System
In addition to finding the right services, it is important for aging individuals with disabilities to have a reliable support system. This includes family and friends who understand their needs and can offer assistance when necessary. Additionally, connecting with local organizations that provide resources or support groups for those with disabilities can help create a strong network of individuals who share similar experiences. Finding dependable sources of support is an essential part of ensuring that an individual has everything they need in order to age gracefully despite any physical or social challenges they may face.
Taking Action
When it comes to choosing the best option for an individual based on their needs, as well as taking advantage of legal protections available to those living with disabilities or chronic health conditions, there are a few key steps to consider in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
The first step is to research the different support services that are available and determine which ones will be most beneficial for the individual’s unique needs. This includes researching local community resources such as churches or non-profit organizations that may offer specialized services or provide additional support. Depending on the individual’s financial situation, there may also be various government programs available that can offer financial assistance with service costs. Additionally, when researching options, it is important to investigate any legal protections that may be available for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. This could include state and federal laws related to accessibility requirements or discrimination protection based on disability status.
The second step is to contact the providers of each potential service and discuss payment options as well as any special accommodations that might be necessary for the individual. Taking time to talk with providers can help ensure that an individual’s needs are being met and that they have access to all of the resources they need in order to get quality care.
The third step is to create a plan for monitoring how these services are meeting an individual’s changing needs over time. This includes establishing regular check-ins with providers in order to assess if changes need to be made and if certain accommodations need updating or replacing due to changes in an individual’s condition or lifestyle. Additionally, developing a reliable support system of family and friends who understand an individual’s unique needs can also help make sure they receive appropriate care and services throughout their life.
Finally, once all of these steps have been taken it is important for individuals living with disabilities or chronic health conditions to take advantage of any legal protections that may be available in their jurisdiction so they can receive proper care without fear of discrimination or lack of access due solely to their condition or age. By taking all these steps into account, individuals can make sure they are receiving the best possible care while remaining safe from any potential discrimination based on disability status
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate services for aging individuals with disabilities requires thorough research and careful planning. It is important to explore different service options available, discuss payment options and special accommodations with providers, and create a plan for regularly monitoring how these services are meeting an individual’s changing needs over time. Additionally, it is essential to develop a reliable support system from family, friends, and local organizations in order to ensure that individuals with disabilities have all the resources they need in order to age gracefully despite any physical or social challenges they may face. With proper navigation of service options and access to dependable sources of support, aging individuals with disabilities can remain independent as they move through life.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) – Aging and Disability Networks
Aging and disability networks are made up of local, state, and national organizations and committed advocates working to support older adults and people with disabilities.
Administration for Community Living – No Wrong Door System
This system supports states’ efforts to “streamline access to long-term services and support (LTSS) options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.”
Association on Aging With Developmental Disabilities
AADD says their primary objective is “bringing the aging and developmental disability fields together to create and provide best practices for people aging with developmental disabilities.”
Eldercare
This is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families.
Grantmakers In Aging
Many foundations that award grants in the field of aging are helping to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Here are examples of grantmaking that specifically aim to reach older, disabled persons.
National Council on Aging – Disability and Aging Collaborative
NCOA states it leads a coalition of national aging and disability organizations working to advance long-term services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
NIH National Library of Medicine – Aging with Disability for Midlife and Older Adults
Provides an analysis of middle and older ages aging with disability. The analysis integrates two research avenues, aging with disability and disability trajectories. It supports government efforts to make aging with disability an age-free, lifelong perspective.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) Program – ACL
The RERC’s stated purpose is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research and development of innovative technologies designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or remove environmental barriers.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Program – ACL
This center “conducts research to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems; improve health and functioning; and promote employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. They also provide to assist rehabilitation personnel to more effectively provide rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.”
The Arc – Center for Future Planning
The Arc provides guidance for creating a plan for people with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) for all stages of their life, especially after a parent or caregiver is no longer available. They have over 600 state and local chapters nationwide.
The Arc – Housing for People with IDD
The Arc is advocating for an increase in affordable, accessible housing for adults with I/DD.
United Nations Dept of Economic and Social Affairs – Aging and Disability
Review of the UN’s framework and goals for promoting and protecting the rights of seniors around the world.