POLICY STATEMENT

Many people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities who are aging deserve the same opportunities to enjoy full lives in their communities as other older people. They are entitled to community support, including help from those agencies that serve the needs of all senior citizens.

ISSUE

More of our constituents are living longer. They want to enjoy their older years in the same manner as other people their age. Like other older Americans, these individuals require greater levels of support to allow them to live full, active, and healthy lives. Unfortunately, many of our older constituents lack basic health care, housing, and specialized services tailored to the needs of older people. Additionally, their family members lack information and resources to help them assist the person who is growing older.

These problems are compounded because many community-based services for senior citizens are not prepared to meet the special needs of older adults with disabilities. Likewise, many disability-based organizations have historically not recognized the problems of older adults with disabilities and are not prepared to address these special needs.

POSITION

As they age, our constituents must be recognized as respected members of the community. Services to people who are older must accommodate the supports needed by this population.

Our constituents who are growing older should:

Be afforded the same rights, dignity, respect, and opportunities as other older people in their communities.

Have access to housing, health care, social services, transportation, and other services available to older Americans in their communities.

Receive supports to live, work, play, and retire when, where, and how they prefer.

Be free from the fear of inappropriate institutionalization due to age-associated decline or infirmity.

Have access to pension plans that include the same payment provisions afforded other retirees or to alternative financial supports available to older persons who no longer work.

Public policy considerations include:

Legislation and regulations affecting older Americans should refer distinctly to the eligibility of our aging constituents.

Programs that support caregivers of older people with disabilities should include support of older parents who are the primary caregivers for their adult children.

	Federal and state resources should vigorously support research and best practices to meet the needs of older persons with disabilities.
	Professionals should be prepared to deal with the issues related specifically to our aging constituents.