Decrease in Natural Supports Are A Concern

When I was looking for some facts to share with you I came across this information that was quite shocking at the website State of the States:  From this graph you can see that we have increased the number of God’s Special individuals 322% however, the amount of family support has decreased 51%. 

Without family support individuals struggle getting involved in the community.  This is where our Foundation wants to help!!!

Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities (https://www.caregiver.org/caregiver-statistics-demographics)

·       There are an estimated 641,000 adults aged 60+ with cognitive and other disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury).

• This number is projected to double to 1,242,794 by 2030, coinciding with the aging population of baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. [Heller, T. (2011). Strength for Caring: Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Aging Family Caregivers.]

·       Families are still the primary caregivers for adults with developmental disabilities and are themselves aging. About 76% of individuals with developmental disabilities reside at home.

• In 25% of these homes, the family caregiver is over 60 years of age.
• The average age of the care recipient with a developmental disability is age 38. [Heller, T. (2011). Strength for Caring: Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Aging Family Caregivers.]