The following contributions are from the participants who attended the Dunedin Community on the 26th September 2009.

Aging Population Workshop

1. How we can influence future planning?

• Do we need to provide it at all?
• Ensure that MOH response reflects the need/issues
  • Increased relationships/dialogue needed
• Transition from workforce/ what happens then?
  • Need to discuss internally/externally
  • What do people want to do when they stop work?
  • People with disabilities need to think about it also
• Transition stage may be rapid if onset of dementia etc...
  • Shorter time period to think about it
  • Deterioration may be very rapid
• This is the first time it its being talked about
• Other organisations not thinking about it – NZDSA, internationally yes but
  not here enough yet
• We don’t want to be overwhelmed but don’t want to bury head in the sand either
• IHC need to reconnect with families again on the issues
• Establish when IDEA stop providing services for aged
• People living at home – early dementia with older parents, who may have support needs
• Care and protection issues of people with intellectual disability
• Elder abuse – need to work with Families Commission on research of this
• We don’t know how many people in our service shave families supporting them.
• Nothing on the Down Syndrome website about ageing
• Associations:
  • How do you connect with brothers and sisters
  • How do they provide support to other members going through aging issues
• Indentifying monies for research
• Need bigger homes
• Better housing models
• Medical/housing/support/training of staff will shape services
• Bets practice – what does the current research say? What is the overseas appearance?

2. What could a great ‘every day’ look like?

• Keeping people supported and in their own home
• Flexibility of transport
• People accessing day services
• Providing the right support for people
• A communication plan for families and people with intellectual disabilities
• A support framework
• Conversing directly with people with intellectual disability to see what their needs are

3. How will we understand and respond to changing health needs?

• Medical professionals (GP’s) need to get specialised in the ageing health issues
• Up skilling medical practitioners and nurses
• Comprehensive annual health checks
• BSS being up-skilled in screening for dementia
• Preparedness of staff with ageing issues, do not resuscitate , death, increased medical support roles
• Families are not happy with rest homes as place to be for family members, early mortality, intense social isolation etc...
• Recognising and planning for changing health needs
• Confronting families about the reality of ageing i.e. health issues
• Is IHC for ‘The whole of Life”
• Policy on dementia care
• What are the current gaps with Health Service  equality for people with an Intellectual disability and ordinary citizens