Self-Determination in Older Adults: Support Needs for People with Lifelong Disabilities (PDF)

## Selbstbestimmt leben im Alter – Anforderungen an die Angebotsgestaltung für lebenslang (geistig) behinderte Menschen **Zusammenfassung:** The article discusses the growing importance of the topic "*Age and Disability*", in particular the support needs for individuals with disabilities when they...

## Selbstbestimmt leben im Alter – Anforderungen an die Angebotsgestaltung für lebenslang (geistig) behinderte Menschen **Zusammenfassung:** The article discusses the growing importance of the topic "*Age and Disability*", in particular the support needs for individuals with disabilities when they prepare for and experience retirement. It draws on the competency model of aging developed within gerontology research. **Key Words**: Old age and mental retardation; Participation; Support. **Abstract**: The article highlights the need for support among people with disabilities when they prepare for and experience retirement. It refers to the field of gerontology and research on this topic. **Keywords**: Old age and mental retardation; Participation; Support. ### Einleitung The article examines the topic of "Age and Disability" and notes that Germany, like many other countries, is experiencing an aging population. The topic is thus a key political priority in the EU and in German national policies. The *Declaration of Graz on Disability and Age* (European association of service providers for people with disabilities EASPD 2006) highlights the importance of older people's rights, in particular, the right to participate, autonomy, and choice. It also advocates for a better understanding of the diverse needs of older disabled people. This is followed by a call for a community-based service system which effectively addresses the needs of older disabled people. ### Thementeil - Section on the Topic The article argues that the situation of people born with, and those who acquire a disability later in life is different. The first group is often excluded from mainstream society and school and experiences an early onset of barriers that impact their development. The second group experience a different set of issues related to aging. The **three** points noted in the article on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child's comments on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN 2009) are as follows: * The child's opinion is crucial in decisions about where they should be educated. * Children with disabilities are a group who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. * **Article 12** (right to be heard) must be emphasized, alongside **Article 3** (best interests of the child). The article then moves on to discussing "the first generation" of older disabled people, and argues that there are significant gaps in the support and help available to older disabled people, as a result of both historical events, (the euthanasia program during Nazi Germany and the fact that many individuals with severe disabilities did not survive due to fewer medical advances in the past), and ongoing social policy shortcomings. ### Forschungsstand und theoretische Bezüge - research and theoretical frameworks The article then discusses the importance of addressing the needs of older disabled people in a way that avoids focusing on their deficits. It highlights research that has focused on the quality of life experienced by this population group and cites various specific examples of research. **The competency model of aging**, developed by Olbrich (1987, 1992), is presented as a more holistic approach to understanding this group's needs. It places biological, cognitive, psychological and social factors within this model. The article then goes on to discuss the competency model's importance in addressing the needs of this population group. ### The Situation of Older People with a Disability Before Entering Retirement The article discusses how the typical workplace for disabled people is the workshop (WfbM - Werkstatt für behinderte Menschen). The article argues that because of their physical and cognitive needs, many people experience decline in their health earlier than non-disabled people. The importance of WfbM to many people is noted and the article outlines measures that are being taken to address the unique needs of this group. ### Anpassung des Arbeitsplatzes - Adaptation of the Workplace The importance of a well-designed and adapted workplace is highlighted. The article argues that the workplace should meet the needs of the individual employee and that a more preventative approach should be adopted in terms of making the workplace more accessible to older disabled people, instead of waiting until there are significant problems. ### Pausen und verkürzte Arbeitszeiten - Breaks and Reduced Working Hours The article outlines the difficulties of implementing specific breaks and reduced working time measures for older people at the work site. It also touches on how views towards this vary, with some seeing it as an unfair benefit and others recognizing the need. The author argues that adjusting the workplace should be the first step, followed by breaks and, finally, reduced hours. The author notes that the shift from a workshop-based work environment to everyday life will be challenging and there is a need for support in navigating this transition. ### Vorbereitung auf den Ruhestand - Preparing for Retirement The article stresses that preparation for retirement needs to begin early in life and that many older people have not had the opportunity to prepare for this transition, as the opportunities to do so have not always been available. ### Ältere Beschäftigte im Elternhaus - Older Workers Living at Home This section highlights the complexities of supporting older people who are still living with elderly parents or other family members. Their unique situations require flexible and sensitive support. ### Gestaltung von Angeboten für Senioren -Designing Services for Older People The article notes the need for tailored services which address the needs of older disabled people. ### Schluss - Conclusion The article emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to supporting older people with disabilities. The article outlines the need for a strong focus on the individual's needs and desires.