Aging affects everyone,  and bringing changes in  eyesight, hearing, mobility, and memory at different intensities and rates.

Common knowledge, medical science, and health care are often enough to enable people to cope with aging efffectively.  For some groups of people, however, aging is not as thoroughly understood.  Individuals aging with a developmental disability are one such group.

The 2006 Census identified individuals with a developmental disability over 64 as a significant subpopulation of aged persons.  Most adult individuals with a developmental disability live at home with parents or extended family; some 80% receive care from aging parents and are not involved with developmental service provider agencies.  They often enter the health system at a point of family crisis. The LHIN 2008 GAIN report identified the number one priority populations to be older adults at risk of premature admission to long-term care due to a lack of available community support;  older adults without family or caregivers/advocates were number three on the list, adults with a developmental disability in need of Senior Geriatric Services were number six.

Medical science and health care have greatly increased life expectancy for people with a developmental disability, but many still experience chronic diseases including Alzheimer Disease and other dementias.  People with Down Syndrome may acquire Alzheimer Disease as early as 30, and their symptoms are often misdiagnosed.  Common assessment tools are needed for early identification of dementia to assist caregivers to plan and intervene to reduce crises.   Increased collaboration among service providers is needed to jointly meet the needs of individuals and improve care and supports and provide support to caregivers. Greater access to and inclusion in mainstream and specialized services will provide a significant improvement for this population. 

The Haldimand Norfolk Seniors Partnership Project is a partnership of seven agencies representing both developmental service and seniors LTC provider agencies in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, jointly working on strategies to address the challenges of:

A year long awareness campaign is being conducted focusing on aging and planning - a proactive strategy that anticipates individual future needs and wishes with a focus on: financial security, living arrangements, health care, and community participation and involvement.