Transition to retirement and participation in mainstream community groups using active mentoring: a feasibility and outcomes evaluation with a matched comparison group

Understanding experiences of 'Gig Buddies': A befriending scheme for people with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Research into befriending for people with intellectual disabilities is limited. This study aimed to explore the impact, mechanisms of change, and limitations of a befriending scheme for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

METHODS

Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. Thirteen individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism were interviewed and data thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Four themes were generated: 'Something fun for me'; 'A good connection'; 'Increasing independence'; and 'A life less quiet'. Befriending had direct benefits through the activities undertaken and the befriending relationships themselves being fun and reducing isolation. Befriending facilitated belonging, improved access to mainstream activities, and fostered independence by providing safety and support. The importance of shared interests and external support for the relationship was highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive outcomes of befriending were found, supporting existing literature and revealing new information from the voices of participants with intellectual disabilities themselves.

[Points de vue d'adultes vieillissants ayant une déficience intellectuelle à l'égard de leur participation sociale]

Au cours du vieillissement, les adultes ayant une déficience intellectuelle (DI) vivent de nombreux changements susceptibles d'influencer leurs possibilités d'exercer leurs activités quotidiennes et leurs rôles sociaux. Une bonne connaissance de leurs points de vue sur le sujet apparaît cruciale pour mieux adapter l'offre de services à leurs besoins. Cette recherche a pour but de mieux comprendre les points de vue des personnes ayant une DI à l'égard de leurs possibilités de participation sociale à travers l'avancée en âge. Des entrevues individuelles et un atelier participatif ont été réalisés avec des adultes âgés de 40 à 75 ans dans la ville de Québec. L'analyse de leurs propos a permis d'identifier leurs points de vue relatifs à trois thèmes, soit leurs capacités, les possibilités d'exercer leur participation sociale et les soutiens reçus. Pour conclure, des recommandations sont proposées afin que les pratiques soutiennent réellement leur participation sociale à travers l'avancée en âge.

From mainstream employment to mainstream retirement: A randomised controlled trial of a transition to retirement intervention for adults with intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

We evaluated a transition to retirement intervention that adapted strategies used to support employment of people with intellectual disability in mainstream workplaces. The intervention facilitated their independent participation in mainstream community groups and volunteering.

METHODS

We randomised 29 older Australians who currently/previously worked in mainstream employment into an intervention group or wait-list control group. Hours of independent participation in target activities were collected before and after the 13-week initial intervention/waiting period, and at 52 weeks for intervention participants.

RESULTS

Six of the 12 intervention participants selected an activity and increased hours of independent participation following 13 weeks in the Keeping Active (KA) program and eight were independently accessing their selected activity at 52-week follow-up. None of the 19 wait-list participants increased their independent participation after 13 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was effective and highlighted the need to account for factors such as participant choice in evaluation of individualised programs.

Transition to retirement: The lived experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Adults with intellectual disabilities are living longer and experiencing retirement. However, research about retirement experiences is limited.

METHOD

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 10 retired/retiring U.S. adults with intellectual disabilities and an ally of their choice.

RESULTS

Participants described factors that pushed or pulled them into retirement, such as health issues or wanting to spend more time with family. Individuals in community work settings described greater self-determination in their decision to retire. Regardless of reasons for retiring, all participants described initial difficulties with adjusting to retirement but over time people's situation, including their mental and physical health, reportedly improved.

CONCLUSION

Retirement is a significant life transition. More attention is needed about planning and developing age-appropriate and person-cantered inclusive retirement options for older adults with intellectual disabilities, similar to the transition into adulthood and work life.

Should inclusion have an expiry date? Older people's attitudes on intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

Older people with intellectual disabilities represent a new and neglected population in need of services, yet it may be problematic to include them in generic services without having a clear idea of how elderly people from the general population feel towards them. To the best of our knowledge, this topic has not been addressed quantitatively.

METHOD

Seventy-three participants over 63 years of age (23 females and 50 males) from the general population without an intellectual disability completed two valid measures: the CLAS-MR and the WHOQOL-OLD.

RESULTS

Level of education and quality of life were positively associated with attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities. Age was negatively associated with knowledge regarding intellectual disability.

CONCLUSIONS

When preparing for the inclusion of older people with intellectual disabilities in generic services, attention should be given to members' level of education, quality of life, and knowledge regarding intellectual disabilities. Sensitivity should be applied to potential tendencies to shelter people with intellectual disabilities.

Interventions for social and community participation for adults with intellectual disability, psychosocial disability or on the autism spectrum: An umbrella systematic review

Objective

This umbrella systematic review examined the effectiveness, facilitators, and barriers of interventions for social, community and civic participation for adults on the autism spectrum, or with intellectual or psychosocial disability.

Data Sources

Eight databases were searched to identify eligible reviews defined by the: Sample (≥50% adults on the autism spectrum or with intellectual or psychosocial disability), Phenomena of Interest (interventions in community settings that aimed to improve social, community or civic participation, or capacity to participate), Design (any), Evaluation (any method that evaluated impacts on participation or capacity to participate), and Research type (reviews as journal articles, dissertations or in grey literature, in English, published 2010-2020).

Review Methods

Rapid review methods were used. One researcher screened 27,890 records and 788 potentially eligible full texts. A second reviewer independently screened 20% of records, and ambiguous full text publications. Study quality was extracted, and review quality was assessed with the Assessing Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) checklist. Data from 522 studies in 57 eligible systematic reviews were extracted for narrative synthesis. The Corrected Covered Area (CCA) was calculated to indicate overlap between reviews.

Results

There was a pooled sample of 28,154 study participants, predominantly from studies in North America, the UK and Europe. There was very low overlap between reviews (CCA = 0.3%). Reviews were predominantly low quality: 77.2% of reviews met <50% of AMSTAR criteria. Most studies were low (45.4%) or moderate (38.3%) quality. Three broad intervention categories improved participation, inclusion and belonging outcomes: (1) interventions to help people identify and connect with participation opportunities (e.g., person centred planning); (2) participation opportunities or activities (e.g., joining a community group, sports or outdoor activities, or arts-based activities); and (3) supports to build skills and capacity to participate socially and in the community.

Conclusions

The evidence highlighted that improved social and community participation requires purposeful strategies that identify meaningful participation preferences (e.g., where, when, how, and with whom) and provide support to build capacity or enable ongoing participation. Community capacity building, peer support and advocacy may also be needed to make the community more accessible, and to enable people to exercise genuine choice.

Social Adventure

Social environments can be challenging for people with intellectual disability. These challenges impact a person’s social inclusion and participation in their communities. Social skills development requires training and practice, but training is often time-limited, costly, and hard to access. However, games on smart speakers provide interesting opportunities to improve training access, motivate self-directed learning, and focus on speech. The authors developed an interactive narrative-based social skills training game for smart-speakers. The game facilitates exploration of the social consequences of making various choices in different social situations and uses natural language inputs. Having tested the game with ten adults with intellectual disability, the authors offer designers insights into participant engagement and the game’s audio-only, natural language interface usability. The authors also propose four design considerations to help designers design applications that help people with intellectual disability participate in social activities.

Psychosocial interventions for older people with intellectual disabilities and the role of support staff: A systematic review

Background

The life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities has increased. The implications of ageing have resulted in changes in their support needs and challenges to support staff. Access to evidence based strategies for support staff providing care to elderly with intellectual disabilities remains scarce. A systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of available psychosocial interventions.

Methods

Four databases were searched and assessed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A narrative, integrative method of analysis was conducted to synthesise quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

The 36 studies included in the review reported on interventions aimed at either identifying and meeting the needs or perceptions of older individuals or at improving their behaviour and skills. Furthermore, the role of support staff in the implementation of interventions was either active, assisting or undefined.

Conclusions

This overview of studies could contribute to the existing body of knowledge and help to optimise psychosocial support for a growing population.

A pilot randomised controlled trial of befriending by volunteers in people with intellectual disability and depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

People with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience chronic depression compared with the general population, which may be compounded by loneliness and lower levels of social support. Befriending aims to provide social support and promote engagement in community activities. No randomised controlled trials have examined whether befriending improves symptoms of depression and social outcomes in people with ID. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a future larger trial of one-to-one befriending by volunteers in people with ID and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Participants were adults with mild or moderate ID with a score of 5 or more on the Glasgow Depression Scale for People with Learning Disabilities (GDS-LD). They were randomised to the intervention arm (matched to a volunteer befriender for 6 months) or the control arm (usual care). Volunteers received training and supervision provided by two community befriending schemes. The main outcomes were feasibility of recruitment (minimum target n = 35), retention rate of participants, adherence (minimum 10 meetings), acceptability of the intervention, changes in depressive symptoms (assessed at baseline and 6 months) and feasibility of collecting data for a health economic analysis.

RESULTS

Recruitment was challenging, and only 16 participants with ID and 10 volunteers were recruited. Six participants were matched with a volunteer and no participants dropped out (except for two volunteers). Four participants completed 10 meetings (mean 11.8). Befriending was thought to be acceptable, but modifications were suggested. An exploratory analysis suggested that GDS-LD score was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after adjusting for baseline scores, but not significant (adjusted mean difference: -4.0; 95% confidence interval: -11.2 to 3.2).

CONCLUSIONS

A large trial would not be feasible based on the recruitment strategies employed in this study. A further feasibility study addressing these challenges or the use of other study designs should be considered.

One-to-one volunteer befriending to reduce symptoms of depression in people with intellectual disability: a feasibility RCT

Background

Little is known about the effectiveness of befriending for people with intellectual disability and whether or not befriending improves depressive symptoms and social outcomes.

Objective

This pilot trial aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a future full-scale randomised controlled trial of one-to-one befriending for people with intellectual disability who had depressive symptoms.

Design

This was a parallel-group, two-armed randomised controlled trial incorporating an exploratory economic analysis and a mixed-methods process evaluation. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at 6 months post randomisation by a research assistant who was blind to allocation. We aimed to approach 50 participants, with a view to recruiting 40.

Setting

Participants with intellectual disability were recruited from one NHS trust and from referrals to two community befriending services. The intervention was delivered by community befriending services.

Participants

Adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability with a score on the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability of ≥ 5 were included. Those attending a day service/college for ≥ 3 days a week were excluded. Volunteers were aged ≥ 18 years and had no history of prior convictions.

Intervention

Participants in the intervention group were matched with a volunteer befriender and were expected to meet once per week for 1 hour, over 6 months. Volunteers recorded activities in a logbook. Volunteers received training and regular supervision. Both groups received usual care and a resource booklet of local activities.

Main outcome measures

The feasibility outcomes and progression criteria were recruitment of at least 70% of participants approached; matching of at least 70% of participants in the intervention group to a volunteer; a dropout rate of < 30% of participants and volunteers; adherence to the intervention (10 meetings between pairs); acceptability of the intervention; and feasibility of collecting data on costs and resource use for an economic evaluation. Changes in depressive symptoms (primary clinical outcome: Glasgow Depression Scale) and self-esteem, quality of life, social participation, social support, health-related quality of life and service use were recorded at 6 months. Outcomes in volunteers were also assessed.

Results

We recruited only 16 participants with intellectual disability (40% of target) and 10 volunteers. Six of the eight (75%) participants in the intervention group were matched with a befriender and there was good adherence (mean number of meetings attended 11.8; range 1–21 meetings). Going to a cafe/restaurant and having a conversation were the most frequent activities. All participants were retained at follow-up, but two volunteers dropped out. Trial procedures and the intervention might be acceptable, but modifications were suggested. Data on costs and resource use were obtained, but there were discrepancies in the health-related quality-of-life data.

Limitations

Delays to the study prevented the use of alternative recruitment strategies and the planned 12-month follow-up could not be completed.

Conclusions

Recruitment was not feasible, but other feasibility outcomes were more positive.

Future work

Evaluating befriending for people with intellectual disability could be explored through alternative study designs, such as observational studies.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN63779614.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 9, No. 10. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The importance of meaningful participation: health benefits of volunteerism for older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities

Volunteerism has been increasingly recognised as a health promotion activity for older adults. However, volunteerism has largely been the domain of those who are in good health with few to no physical limitations, and there is limited information about the experiences of older adults with disabilities. This study explores why older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities engage in volunteer work and their perceptions of the personal benefits of volunteering. Twenty older adults, from three Midwest towns in the United States of America, participated in semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Participants in this study identified as having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to a health condition and had volunteered in the last year. Participants were selected purposively for maximum variation in terms of type of disability/impairment, race, gender and age. The constant comparative method of analysis was used to identify themes from their discussions. When asked about why they volunteer and the personal benefits of volunteering, participants discussed seeking out activities that were meaningful to them for both altruistic and more self-directed reasons. They identified a number of physical and emotional health benefits that they saw as directly and indirectly related to being able to participate in these meaningful activities. Findings from this study suggest that, for older adults with disabilities who are interested in volunteer activities, volunteerism can be a beneficial health promotion activity and a potential mechanism for increasing opportunities for meaningful inclusion and participation in their communities.

Using an ecological approach to grasp the complexity of social inclusion around a person with a disability

BACKGROUND

Mapping social inclusion often focuses merely on a specific aspect of interpersonal relationships or community participation and is often executed from one perspective (either the person with a disability or a proxy).

OBJECTIVE

This paper explores whether the ecological model of Simplican, Leader, Kosciulek and Leahy (2015) can serve as a basis to develop an instrument that maps a variety of influencing enabling and disabling variables on both interpersonal relations and community participation, including the input of persons with a disability, network members and professionals.

METHODS

Directed content analysis was used to apply the ecological model to 14 cases of persons with a disability in independent supported living.

RESULTS

The ecological model proved to be a useful framework to map enabling and disabling factors of social inclusion in individual cases. Additions were made to the model, including adding a new level of 'dynamics' to grasp the dynamic reality of social inclusion. Different informants gave partly overlapping information, but the integration of the three perspectives was an added value for understanding social inclusion in all its complexities.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper serves as a first step in developing an in-depth instrument to map social inclusion.

Mental health of older people with mild and moderate intellectual disability in Australia

BACKGROUND

The progressive increase in life expectancy of people with intellectual disability (ID) has resulted in enhanced survival into old age and has also seen a growth in research on both lifelong and emerging ageing-related health issues. Health issues amongst provider-supported adults have been previously studied, but these studies have not always included older community-dwelling adults with ID.

METHODS

A study examining the extent of mental health of 391 community-dwelling adults with ID age 60 and older in both metropolitan and rural areas of two East Coast Australian states was undertaken using a cross-sectional survey. Examined were a range of demographic (age, sex, living arrangements, employment and socio-economic status) and life (co-morbidities, adverse life events and social support) factors. Data were parsed by two age groupings (60-65: n = 234 and >65: n = 157).

RESULTS

Findings revealed that older community-dwelling adults with ID have many of the same mental health disorders as do other ageing people, with the exception of significant psychiatric disorders often associated with older age. Over a third (35%: n = 137) reported some one or more mental health disorders. Age, sex, location (rural or urban), financial hardship, social support or type of living arrangement were not statistically significant as risk factors for poor mental health. However, employment status was a clear predictor. Stepwise regression models showed a strong association between mental ill-health and adverse life events and between mental ill-health and multiple physical co-morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

The cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal inference. The cumulative effect of chronic health conditions and adverse life events cannot be prevented retrospectively. However, greater awareness amongst both health professionals and care staff that older adults with ID have a high likelihood of significant and/or repeated traumas and need better health care to limit physical co-morbidity may assist in providing support that is better tailored to individual needs in older age to reduce the burden of mental ill-health.

The association between loneliness and common mental disorders in adults with borderline intellectual impairment

BACKGROUND

Loneliness is linked to a number of adverse health outcomes in the general population. There is a lack of evidence on the prevalence and impact of loneliness in people with borderline intellectual impairment.

METHODS

Data from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, a national survey of England, was analysed using Weights-adjusted regression analyses to compare the prevalence of loneliness and the association between loneliness and socio-demographic and clinical variables in people with borderline intellectual impairment and the general population.

RESULTS

Data from 6877 participants were included. Ten percent (n = 671) of the sample had borderline intellectual impairment and their prevalence of loneliness was 24.5% compared to 18.4% in the general population. This difference was explained by exposure to social disadvantages. Associations were found in both groups between loneliness and being single, unemployed, low income, lower social support, feeling unsafe and discrimination in the past year. Loneliness was associated with lower wellbeing and higher rates of common mental disorders, suicidal thoughts and chronic physical disorders in both groups. Intellectual functioning moderated the relationship between loneliness and income (OR 1.82; 95%CI 1.06 to 3.11) and suicidal thoughts in the last week (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.93).

LIMITATIONS

IQ was measured using the National Adult Reading Test (NART), which is only valid for English speakers and loneliness was measured using a single item.

CONCLUSION

Loneliness is more prevalent in people with borderline intellectual impairment. Interventions targeting social disadvantages (e.g. low income) may lead reduce loneliness and vulnerability to mental health problems.

Prevalence of Depression in Retirees: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Retirement is a final life stage characterized by the ceasing of work and the loss of a routine, social relations, role, status, accomplishments, and aspirations, etc. Many times it is accompanied by negative feelings and can provoke different psychoemotional reactions such as depression, among others. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence of depression, as well as its psychoeducational approach in retirees. Methods: A paired systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted in different databases—Medline, Scopus, CUIDEN, CINAHL, LILACS and PsycINFO. Original studies were included in English, Spanish and French that were published in the last 10 years, and which approached depression in retirees. Results: A total of 11 articles were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean value of the prevalence levels of depression in retirees obtained in the meta-analysis was 28%. Depression is more frequent in retirees, with mandatory retirement, retirement due to illness, and anticipated retirement presenting higher levels of this disease. The health role in the psychoeducational approach is highlighted in 41.6% (n = 5). Conclusions: With almost one-third of retirees suffering from depression, it is necessary to implement prevention and early detection measures to approach a public health problem.

One-to-one befriending for people with intellectual disability and symptoms of depression: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

People with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience loneliness and have smaller social networks, which increases vulnerability to depression. Befriending may reduce depressive symptoms in other populations, but randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have not been carried out in this population. This pilot study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of carrying out a full RCT of one-to-one befriending by volunteers for people with ID, compared with an active control group.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The trial aims to recruit 40 participants with ID. Participants in the intervention arm will receive weekly visits from a volunteer over 6 months. Community befriending schemes will recruit, train, supervise volunteers and match them to individuals with ID. Both groups will receive a booklet about local activities and have access to usual care. Health and social outcomes will be measured at the end of the intervention and 6 months' follow-up. The following outcomes will be assessed: (1) recruitment and retention of individuals with ID and volunteers in the trial, (2) adverse events related to the intervention, (3) the acceptability of the intervention, (4) whether the intervention is delivered as intended, (5) changes in health and social outcomes and (6) the feasibility of carrying out a cost-effectiveness analysis in a full trial. Qualitative data from participants, volunteers, staff and carers will identify barriers and facilitators of a future full trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the London City and East Research Ethics Committee (reference 18/LO/2188). The findings will be presented at conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal and in the National Institute of Health Research journals library. A public engagement seminar will be held at the end of the study aimed at key stakeholders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN63779614.

Interventions across the Retirement Transition for Improving Well-Being: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: The work-to-retirement transition involves a process of psychologically and behaviorally distancing oneself from the workforce that is often accompanied by other social changes, which can influence health and well-being. However, research on interventions targeting the work-to-retirement transition to improve health status is limited. Our objective was to summarize and describe interventions aiming to improve well-being across the retirement transition; (2) Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the methodological framework described by Arksey and O'Malley; the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines as well as the PRISMA-ScR statements; we systematically searched articles and gray literature to identify interventions and policies that aimed to improve well-being across the retirement transition. (3) Results: 15 publications were included, which comprised both experimental designs (n = 10) and systematic reviews (n = 5). (4) Conclusions: More research on how to promote overall well-being during the work-to-retirement transition is needed. The results of this scoping review show that most reported interventions address one single lifestyle behavior, and that relevant social determinants of health have been barely considered in their design. Future investigations need to consider vulnerable groups and country-specific structural conditions. Adopting a patient and public involvement approach will contribute to developing interventions that address the significant needs of those in the transition to retirement.

Australians with intellectual disability share their experiences of retirement from mainstream employment

BACKGROUND

As part of a larger study exploring the transition to retirement for people with intellectual disability from a working life in mainstream employment, this paper reports on retirement from the perspective of those who have already retired.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with five Australian retirees with intellectual disability. Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Employment service records provided background information on participants' employment and supports.

RESULTS

Retirement occurred as the solution to ongoing problems primarily related to health. Retirement decisions were made in conjunction with family and support staff, with participants reporting varying levels of self-determination in the process, and mixed feelings about their retirement. None of the participants were participating in mainstream community groups in retirement.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for retirement preparation for this emerging population to support self-determination in retirement-related decisions including individualized training to facilitate independent participation in mainstream social activities in retirement.

“One does not forget, it all comes back”: elderly people with intellectual disability review adversities and stress-protection in their lives

Purpose

People with intellectual disability are reported to encounter many negative life events during their increasingly long lives. In the absence of protective elements, these may cause toxic stress and trauma. Given the reported negative effects of such adverse events on their quality of life (QoL), the perspective of older people with intellectual disability themselves may be of relevance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors questioned nine participants with mild intellectual disability, aged 61–88 years old, in four 90-min focus group sessions and thematically analysed the data.

Findings

Many recent and bygone negative life events still weighed heavily on the participants. Negative interactions, experiences of loss, lack of control and awareness of one’s disability caused stress. Their emotional response contrasted with their contentment, compliance and resilience. Having (had) good relationships, having learnt coping skills, remaining active, talking about past experiences and feeling free of pain, safe, well supported, capable, respected and involved seemed to heighten resilience and protect participants from toxic stress.

Research limitations/implications

Monitoring and preventing adverse (childhood) experiences, supporting active/emotional coping strategies, psychotherapy and life story work may facilitate coping with negative events and enhance QoL of elderly people with intellectual disability.

Originality/value

Elderly people with mild intellectual disability run a higher risk of experiencing (early) adverse events in life. They are very capable of talking about their experiences, QoL, and the support they need. Focus groups were a reliable method to capture their insights.

Parents with intellectual disabilities and their perspective of peer support: "It depends on how they give it"

BACKGROUND

Parents with intellectual disabilities face particular challenges, such as lack of sufficient support with their parenting. Peers can be an important source of support for parents in the general population; however, there is a limited knowledge about peer support for parents with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of parents with intellectual disabilities with social support with a focus on the role of peers.

METHOD

Twenty-six parents with intellectual disabilities in New South Wales, Australia, took part in a semi-structured interview.

RESULTS

The inductive content analysis of data revealed three main themes; this article reports on one of them-Developing interdependence.

CONCLUSIONS

The source of support was less important than the way support was offered. Parents valued support offered by someone who respected them as a person and parent, and was interested in what they wanted and needed.

Exploring Retirement for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: An Analysis of National Core Indicators Data

To begin to understand retirement, we examined age-related differences in (a) employment rates, employment hours, and rates of individual-plan employment goals; and (b) participation rates in unpaid formal day programs. We report weighted analyses of 2014-15 National Core Indicators data from 32 states. Unlike younger age groups, a similar proportion of workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities continued working beyond age 65 as for the general community. We found that most workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities retire in older age and that their retirement appears to be sudden, rather than a gradual reduction in work hours. Facility-based day programs were the only program with an increased participation rate in older age groups, revealing an even greater reliance on facility-based services for older participants.

Identifying conceptualizations and theories of change embedded in interventions to facilitate community participation for people with intellectual disability: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Little progress has been made towards community participation of people with intellectual disability despite it being a policy aim since the 1980s. We aimed to identify the features of programmes designed to support community participation.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature between 2000 and 2015, about interventions to support community participation for adults with intellectual disability.

RESULTS

A small body of evidence relates to the design and effectiveness of interventions to enhance community participation. Seventeen studies reported programmes reflecting three conceptualizations of community participation (as social relationships, as convivial encounter and as belonging) that used strategies such as active mentoring, facilitative support worker practice and arts-based programmes.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies showed the diverse and person-centred nature of community participation and demonstrated the need for larger-scale studies of promising interventions that include details of costs, and strategies to guide implementation of policies to support community participation.

Active Interest Mentorship for Soon-to-Retire People: A Self-Sustaining Retirement Preparation Program

Retirement is a major life transition that often leads to maladjustments and mental health hazards. In this study, we developed an innovative retirement preparation program, the Active Interest Mentorship Scheme (AIMS), which utilized active interest development as a positive entry point through which to engage soon-to-retire people. Each retiree received a 1-year mentorship 6 months before retirement. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, the study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the AIMS in protecting retirees' well-being. The well-being status of 161 retirees was assessed at 4-month intervals. Measures included self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Serial trend analysis revealed a general improvement in well-being at 4 months after mentorship, followed by a mark reversion in some variables at 2 months after retirement. Upon completion of the program, participants generally returned to a level of well-being that was comparable with or better than preretirement levels. The first 2 months after retirement appeared to be the most distressing. The findings support the efficacy, as well as feasibility of the innovative retirement preparation program.

Understanding retirement for ageing adults with a disability in supported employment

Introduction

Employees with disabilities in supported employment are ageing and, as their retirement from work approaches, it is critical to consider how they perceive their occupational roles might change. They need to consider what activities they choose to engage in, and what service or supports might be necessary to make a successful transition to retirement. The aim of this study was to understand how ageing employees with disabilities perceive retirement, and how their occupational roles might change.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted with 10 participants working in a supported employment service, for whom transitioning from work to retirement was imminent.

Findings

Participants perceived retirement to be boring, full of meaningless activities and lonely. It also meant a reduced income that would result in hardship, and a loss of self-esteem at losing their employee role. They had limited knowledge about alternative activities in retirement.

Conclusion

Participants perceived significant barriers to making the transition from employee to retiree. Occupational therapy can provide support with pre-retirement planning and evidence-based strategies such as a client-centred approach, mapping new routines, and training staff and mentors. They could also advocate for changes in service delivery to improve practices that will encourage active ageing for people with disabilities in retirement.