Module 2: Direct Comprehensive Primary Care in the LTC Setting

19 2.2.1 Caring for Individuals with Development Disabilities

  • 1-3% of Canadians are identified as individuals with developmental disabilities
  • DSM 5 diagnosis is Intellectual Disability (ID)
  • Genetic disorders are responsible for the majority of those with severe ID
  • Two most common genetic disorders: Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome

Challenges and barriers for those with ID:

  • Communication
  • Reliance on caregivers
  • Trust[1][2][3]

Special Concerns in LTC

  • Legal
  • Sexuality
  • Increased Risk of Abuse
  • Caregiver Burden/Burnout

Common Medical Issues:

  • Mental Illness
  • Seizure Disorder
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Dysphagia
  • Oral Care
  • Constipation
  • Behavioural Disorders
  • Dementia[4]
  1. Sullivan et al., 2018 ↵
  2. Einfeld et al., 2006 ↵
  3. Maenner et al., 2016 ↵
  4. Sullivan et al., 2018 ↵

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Nurse Practitioners Delivering Primary Care in the Long Term Care Setting Copyright © 2024 by Erin Ziegler, Carrie Heer and Adhiba Nilormi is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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