Aging Gracefully in the Face of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism: A Roadmap for Pennsylvania

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HARRISBURG, PA — Lately, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has taken an extraordinary step towards ensuring better everyday life for individuals grappling with challenges such as mental health issues, substance use disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autism. DHS recently published the most recent edition of the Positive Approaches Journal, a publication dedicated to the promotion of research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people facing these serious issues.

This edition of the journal spotlights the often overlooked aging process in those with intellectual disabilities and autism. By dissecting this complex process and offering practical resources and solutions, the journal seeks to offer a helping hand to those aging with these conditions, and their caregivers and providers alike.

Dr. Val Arkoosh, the DHS Secretary, reiterated the commitment of the DHS to ensuring that Pennsylvanians coping with intellectual disabilities and autism have the appropriate services and supports they need as they age. The research contained in this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is envisaged to equip individuals, families, and providers with valuable insights to enrich the lives of Pennsylvanians of varying ages.

In Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration is unwavering in their belief that each individual with intellectual disabilities and autism deserves support to achieve a life of dignity. Governor Shapiro has proposed a budget designed to provide timely and appropriate services to these individuals, thereby fostering better care for our families and neighbors.

Moreover, Governor Shapiro’s administration is dedicated to enhancing the system of care for all aging Pennsylvanians. A striking example of this dedication is the creation of the Aging Our Way, PA Plan, a strategic 10-year roadmap to cater to the needs of Pennsylvania’s older population while improving commonwealth services. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal seeks to provide funding to implement this plan, which caters to various aspects of elderly care, such as allowing older adults to remain in their communities and homes, augmenting the elder care workforce, and providing support for Alzheimer’s Disease’s profound impacts.

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The latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal illustrates a broad range of topics. From exploring the importance of aligning supports and services to the unique preferences of those receiving them, to understanding and addressing social isolation among older Pennsylvanians, the articles delve into vital areas of the aging process in those with intellectual disabilities and autism.

One thought-provoking feature discusses the need to stop “othering” aging individuals with disabilities, noting a substantial shortage of available research on aging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The article suggests that more support mechanisms must be created to help them age gracefully and maintain meaningful lives.

An in-depth look at the Aging Our Way, PA Plan reveals a ten-year strategic plan to address issues facing older Pennsylvanians, particularly those with disabilities. Similarly, another piece acknowledges the possible prejudices in the healthcare system concerning intellectual disabilities and autism, especially regarding diagnosing forms of dementia, and highlights potential changes.

In light of the rising mental health and substance use disorders, the journal also discusses Medicare’s scope and eligibility, explaining how it can aid in screening, services, and programs necessary for treating and recovering from these disorders.

The Positive Approaches Journal is a joint effort of the DHS’s Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The journal serves as a repository of resources, observations, and advancements in mental and behavioral health, with the ultimate goal of better serving people within their communities.

The crux of this endeavor is to aid in creating a compassionate society where every individual, regardless of their mental, intellectual, or developmental challenges, can age gracefully, with dignity and meaning. This move by the DHS is a promising step towards creating a more inclusive and understanding Pennsylvania, where everyone can truly live an everyday life.

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