September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus national attention on what we can do to help ourselves and our loved ones remain as healthy as possible as we grow older. Dungarvin, a national disability services provider, is committed to supporting healthy aging for people with disabilities so they can continue to thrive and enjoy life.
Attention to healthy aging is a critical component of supporting people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), as many experience age-related health changes earlier or differently than the general population,” said Dungarvin New Mexico State Director Scott Good. “Older adults with I/DD may face increased challenges related to health, mobility, cognition, social connections and changing support systems, including aging family caregivers.”
Dungarvin Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Nurses and Health Services staff who support older adults with I/DD understand these challenges, said Sarah Dubany, Dungarvin Minnesota Health Services Manager.
“Our goal is to provide individualized supports that help people age with dignity, remain engaged in their communities and enjoy the highest possible quality of life.”
Scott Good, Dungarvin New Mexico State Director
“We strive to support our aging individuals to remain at home while maintaining a quality of life. We approach this as a team, including managers, DSPs, Nurses, Case Managers and family members,” she said. “In addition to an I/DD diagnosis, there may be individuals that have other health conditions requiring close monitoring and treatment. We need to support people’s access to health and preventative services, such as home health care, physical and occupational therapy and others, so they can maintain their independence as much as possible.”
Scott added that supporting healthy aging for people with I/DD requires a proactive, person-centered approach.
“Our goal is to provide individualized supports that help people age with dignity, remain engaged in their communities and enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Dungarvin partners with individuals, families, health care providers and support teams to address changing needs, encourage healthy lifestyles, support preventive care and maintain meaningful relationships and activities.”
If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit www.Dungarvin.com.