Developmental Disabilities Division

Program in Aging and Developmental Disabilities

Geriatric Assessment

Aging for anyone does not have to mean significant cognitive or functional decline. There are many factors that can affect each person's aging including lifestyle choices, genetics, health care options, attitude, and the physical environment. A combination of all of these factors likely determines each person's risk factors for disease and age-associated changes. It is essential when an older person with developmental disabilities is experiencing loss that an appropriate assessment is conducted to determine the underlying cause.

PADD has developed a comprehensive 2-day workshop to train clinicians on geriatric assessment for adults with developmental disabilities. This training is currently being offered in collaboration with NYSRA/RRTI as part of the Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program.

Here is a list of resources and tools that are commonly used by assessment teams to document baselines, identify changes, and provide insight into diagnoses and/or next steps. These references are not listed in any particular order, nor is there just one tool that will be applicable for all people in all situations. Know the individual. Every individual is different. Use a team approach to identify areas to address and which tool(s) may help.

If you have any resources you would like to share or have included in this list, please email: LauraA_Robinson@urmc.rochester.edu

 

PADD

Developmental Disabilities