Assessing needs of ageing people with down syndrome using icf model of functioning and disability

Objectives. To investigate the needs of ageing people with Down Syndrome (DS) over 45 through the biopsychosocial approach for better planning their current and future life.
Methods. A cross-sectional design study was carried out. Four focus groups (Northern, Central and Southern Italy) were organized. Participants were family members of elderly persons with DS and health professionals that provide care to aging people with DS.
Results.13 family members and 15 health professionals participated. An in-depth analysis was performed and the content was linked to the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes. Needs related to their clinical profile (e.g. b117-Intellectual functions; b410-Heart functions) where found and also particular needs of aging with DS in interaction with environmental factors, such as the support of Immediate family (e310), Health professionals (e355), Associations and organizational services, systems and policies (e555) emerged.
Conclusion. The study stresses the importance of introducing for clinical, social and public health policies a comprehensive assessment in order to plan the current and future life of ageing people with DS; such assessment should include a joint analysis of their clinical profile and its interaction with environmental factors (Dosage Project received the financial support of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune).