Dissertation
Quality of life of older adults with intellectual disabilities: the role of social networks and social support
University of Iowa
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
Summer 2021
DOI: 10.17077/etd.005940
Abstract
The life expectancy of adults with intellectual disability (ID) has increased over the last several decades, and the number of older adults with ID is expected to grow. Therefore, there is an increasing need for research to address aging-related issues for people with ID. Understanding the experiences and needs of aging and older adults with ID will help promote quality of life and wellbeing, enabling them to live healthy and productive lives well into older adulthood. While there are many factors that can influence quality of life for older adults with ID, one that is particularly relevant is the presence of a strong and supportive social network. An individual’s social network consists of their family members, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, or others who are considered important to that person. These various relationships provide individuals with emotional support, opportunities for social engagement, and access to information and resources. Social networks also promote inclusion and provide people with a sense of community and belonging. For these reasons, social networks have been found to have positive effects on mental and physical health and are essential to a person’s quality of life and overall wellbeing.
One especially important aspect of social networks is that network members provide people with various types of social support. Studies have found links between social networks, social support, and quality of life in a variety of populations. This link has been less studied among people with ID, especially those who are aging. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the social networks of older adults with ID. This study also uses a conceptual model of quality of life to explore the supports provided in different quality of life domains, how these supports are provided, and how these supports may change as the individual ages.
This study used a qualitative, multiple case study approach to explore the social networks and quality of life of older adults with ID. Participants were recruited through a local agency that provides services to people with disabilities. Data were collected from four adults with ID aged 50 and older, as well as staff members who provide supports to them in their homes and communities. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with older adults with ID, semi-structured interviews with two to three of their staff members, and observations at their day program. The interviews focused on identifying people who are considered important network members to older adults with ID, as well as exploring how network members provide supports to them in different aspects of their lives.
For the four cases in this study, networks were comprised primarily of staff members. Additionally, staff members were the primary providers of multiple types of support. Networks were also found to have many different functions. Some functions were the same across cases but differed in their importance or how support was provided. Support with communication and decision-making, particularly medical decision-making, were found to be significant network functions across all four cases. The findings also indicated that a person’s support needs change as they age, requiring network members to modify the support they provide. The findings from this study help to address a gap in the literature on the lives and experiences of older adults with ID. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Quality of life of older adults with intellectual disabilities: the role of social networks and social support
- Creators
- Elizabeth Byram
- Contributors
- Mercedes Bern-Klug (Advisor)Miriam Landsman (Committee Member)May Guo (Committee Member)Megan Gilster (Committee Member)Sato Ashida (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Social Work
- Date degree season
- Summer 2021
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.005940
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- xi, 164 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2021 Elizabeth Byram
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-146).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Over the last several decades, the life expectancy of adults with intellectual disability (ID) has increased. Therefore, it is necessary to understand aging-related issues for people with ID to ensure the best possible quality of life as they age. While many factors contribute to a person’s quality of life, one that is particularly important is their social network. A person’s social network is made up of family, friends, and acquaintances who are considered important to that person. These relationships provide different types of support, companionship, and opportunities for social engagement. Social networks play a large role in promoting health and quality of life.
The purpose of this study was to explore the social networks, supports, and quality of life for adults with ID aged 50 and older. Participants were recruited through a local agency that provides services to people with disabilities. People with ID were interviewed, as were staff members from their group homes.
For the participants in this study, social networks were made up mostly of staff members, along with some peers and family. Staff also provided the most supports to people with ID. Several different types of support were identified as being important, and there were similarities and differences in these supports between each of the four participants. The study also found that as people with ID age, there are changes in the types and amount of support they receive. These findings have important implications for the quality of life of people with ID.
- Academic Unit
- School of Social Work
- Record Identifier
- 9984124759202771
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