Ageing in shared disability supported accommodation: The experiences of disability service providers supporting older adults with intellectual disability and dementia
Project Details
Funding partner
Flinders University Impact Seed Funding for Early Career Researchers (ECR)
Timeframe
2022-2023
Publications
Belperio, I., & Walker, R. (2025). Disability service providers supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and dementia living in group homes: A qualitative, exploratory study. Disabilities, 5(3), Article 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5030083
Resources
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Team
Summary
The aim of this project was to better understand the current challenges for disability service providers in terms of supporting adults with intellectual disability and dementia living in shared disability supported accommodation. A key outcome of this research was the development of an evidence-base to inform best practice dementia care for adults with intellectual disability in these settings. The specific aims were:
Aim 1: To better understand, from the perspective of disability support workers, challenges relating to timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia in adults with ID in shared disability supported accommodation.
Aim 2: To better understand, from the perspective of disability support workers, the types of support needed by adults with ID who have suspected or confirmed dementia living in shared disability supported accommodation.
Aim 3: To examine current practice in relation to adults with ID and dementia ageing in place, experiencing in-place progressions and/or referral out of shared disability supported accommodation.
Impact
This research addressed a significant evidence gap in Australia by generating the first detailed insights into the experiences and support needs of adults with intellectual disability and dementia living in shared supported accommodation. The findings inform policy, service delivery, and workforce practice, support the development of best-practice dementia care, and provide a foundation for larger-scale research to improve outcomes for this growing population.