Planning a better future: Tools for adults with intellectual disability and their ageing carers

Almost 90% of adults with intellectual disability live with family carers, many are ageing parents suffering from ill health. Less than a third of these carers plan for the future of their loved one. As a consequence, adults with an intellectual disability frequently face the trauma of leaving their family home for the first time after a parent is taken ill. It is often difficult to find appropriate accommodation at short notice. So vulnerable adults are placed in unsuitable situations where staff don't have the necessary time or relevant experience. To address this, Dr Aviva Cohen is developing two practical tools that help families plan for the future. An app will enable parents to record short videos of everyday activities. New carers can view these videos and understand each person's needs and preferences; for example how he or she likes to eat, dress or meet people. This app addresses parents' common fear that no one else will know how to look after their son or daughter. In addition, Dr Cohen is developing a multimedia training course that will educate, inform and support ageing carers. Topics include: finding accommodation, managing finances and creating legal security. In addition, parents will learn how to plan their own future as many have not had personal time for decades.