Activities of daily living and transition to community living for adults with intellectual disabilities

Background: As adults with intellectual disability (ID) in Ireland move to the community from residential settings, the changed environment is intended to increase opportunities for occupational engagement, autonomy and social relationships. It is important to consider how increased resources and opportunities available within the community can be optimized to promote engagement and quality of life. Aims: This paper investigates if and how ADL and IADL performance of people ageing with ID is related to place of residence. Methods: ADL and IADL performance of adults with ID in Ireland across different living situations was analyzed using descriptive and bivariate analysis of data collected from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS TILDA). Results: Greater ability to perform ADL and IADL was noted in those living in independent or community group home settings when compared to traditional residential settings. Place of residence was strongly related to ADL and IADL performance. Conclusion and significance: Given that people with ID will likely require physical and social supports to complete ADL and IADL when transitioning to community living from residential settings, an occupational justice perspective can inform occupational therapists working with people with ID, facilitating successful transitions to community living.