The impact of COVID-19 on the social inclusion of older adults with an intellectual disability during the first wave of the pandemic in Ireland.
J Intellect Disabil Res
; 65(10): 879-889, 2021 10.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1285033
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Social restrictions and service closures from COVID-19 have negatively impacted social inclusion and well-being for some people with intellectual disabilities (IDs).METHODS:
The fourth wave of a national longitudinal study on ageing in people with ID in Ireland was interrupted during the COVID-19 outbreak. Social inclusion data for pre-existing participants interviewed before COVID-19 (n = 444) were compared with data for pre-existing participants interviewed during/after lockdown (n = 62).RESULTS:
More people interviewed after lockdown reported frequent family contact. Significantly greater numbers in the post-lockdown group reported access to and use of technology than the pre-lockdown group. Technology use was higher among those living in grouped residences supported by services compared with individuals living independently or with family.CONCLUSIONS:
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, many older adults with ID stayed connected with family and reported rates of contact higher than were reported by others before COVID-19. This connection may have been supported by a significant increase in technology use during the pandemic. However, uneven use of technology may disadvantage some including individuals living with family or independently. Given that COVID-19 restrictions are likely to continue to restrict social opportunities, increased digital support may assist more people with ID to use technology to maintain their social connections.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Social Inclusion
/
COVID-19
/
Intellectual Disability
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
J Intellect Disabil Res
Journal subject:
Mental Disorders
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Jir.12862
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