References
Constipation in community-dwelling adults with intellectual disability
Abstract
Individuals with intellectual disability can experience multifaceted physical, psychological, emotional health and wellbeing problems. Chronic constipation is one of the major health problems for this cohort of the population; it is linked with distress, discomfort, pain, faecal incontinence, anxiety, behavioural difficulties and severe gastrointestinal complications. A continence assessment process for constipation ensures that planning, implementation and evaluation strategies provide quality health outcomes for individuals and their families. Proactive treatment interventions range from increasing fluid intake, alterations in dietary intake, implementing toileting routine and medication management. Health promotion approaches need to be positively implemented for individuals with intellectual disability to promote a healthy lifestyle, improve nutritional intake, increase access to exercise programs and thus advance health, wellbeing and quality outcomes.
Individuals with intellectual disability and their families can encounter various challenges and complexities; from reduced intellectual ability, social loneliness and the difficulty of implementing practical skills for living independently (Lennox et al, 2007). In the contemporary climate of cultural transformation, a rapid ageing population, smaller family structures and women having children later in life, countless caregivers are rearing their children and simultaneously caring for a relative with chronic health needs (Lafferty et al, 2016). These caregivers have come to be known as the ‘sandwich generation’ (Lafferty et al, 2016). Scores of siblings are also assuming the role of caregiver for a brother or sister with an intellectual disability when their parents become ill and subsequently die (Tebes and Irish, 2000). Some caregivers struggle with the role and responsibility of caring for a loved one, while others adapt and adjust to the role of caregiver (Herrman et al, 2011).
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