How to Promote Inclusivity in Senior Care Communities
On December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) celebrates the diversity of our global community, teaches about the experiences of people living with a disability, and promotes action and support for a world that is inclusive to all. Inclusivity in senior care is essential to ensuring older adults with disabilities receive the support, respect, and accessibility they deserve. With nearly 61 million Americans living with a disability—many of whom are seniors—it is crucial that care solutions are designed to accommodate diverse needs.
IDPD has been observed by the United Nations since 1992, focusing on a different theme or issue faced by individuals with disabilities every year. For 2021, the theme, “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world,” focuses on the challenges, barriers and opportunities the pandemic has brought those who live with disabilities.
Inclusivity in Senior Care
The facts:
- Approximately 61 million Americans live with a disability.
- Two in five adults aged 65 years or older have a disability.
- Nearly 14% of people with a disability have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- Approximately 11% of people with a disability have a cognition disability with serious difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- Nearly 7% of people with a disability have an independent living disability with difficulty doing errands alone.
- Almost 4% of people with a disability have a self-care disability with difficulty dressing or bathing.
Click here to download the complete infographic and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
From isolation, living conditions and changes to everyday routines, to increased progression of underlying health conditions, COVID-19 has significantly impacted the lives of many. For older adults who are living with a disability, these challenges may be more impactful, as the need for optimal care and supportive resources continues to increase.
To provide the best quality of life for older adults living with disabilities, we must continue discussion and action toward inclusivity and access to services. Caregivers and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the care options available. Creating inclusivity in senior care means developing environments that provide equal opportunities for older adults with disabilities to thrive. By advocating for accessibility, personalized support, and compassionate care, we can improve quality of life for all seniors.
About CarePatrol
At CarePatrol, our locally-based network of certified senior advisors and professional team members understand that the care needs of each person are unique. That is why we are focused on providing customized solutions to meet clients’ specific care and lifestyle needs.
For more information about CarePatrol’s senior care solutions, click here.
Additional resources:
Disability & Health U.S. State Profile Data: Adults 18+ years of age – CDC.
Okoro CA, Hollis ND, Cyrus AC, Griffin-Blake S. Prevalence of Disabilities and Health Care Access by Disability Status and Type Among Adults — United States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:882–887. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6732a3external icon.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) [Internet]. [updated 2018 May 24; cited 2018 August 27]. Available from: http://dhds.cdc.gov