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Social Connections for Older People with Intellectual Disability in Ireland: Results from Wave One of IDS ‐ TILDA
Author(s) -
McCausland Darren,
McCallion Philip,
Cleary Eimear,
McCarron Mary
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/jar.12159
Subject(s) - intellectual disability , residence , social contact , psychology , gerontology , population , medicine , developmental psychology , psychiatry , demography , sociology , environmental health
Background The literature on influences of community versus congregated settings raises questions about how social inclusion can be optimised for people with intellectual disability. This study examines social contacts for older people with intellectual disability in Ireland, examining differences in social connection for adults with intellectual disability and other adults. Materials & Methods Data were drawn from the IDS ‐ TILDA study in Ireland. A nationally representative sample ( n = 753) included adults aged 40 years and older, with additional comparison with general population participants. Predictors of social contacts were explored. Results Residence, level of intellectual disability and age were significant factors determining social contact. People in institutional residences, older respondents and those with severe/profound intellectual disability had the lowest levels of contact; older adults with intellectual disability had much lower rates than general population counterparts. Conclusions Community‐dwelling people with intellectual disability have greater social contact than those living in institutions, but levels are below those for other adults in Ireland.