Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) face certain health and nutritional challenges far more frequently than those without IDD. Family members and caregivers can help those in their care stay safe and healthy when they are aware of those increased risks, what to watch for, and some solutions and preventive measures they can apply.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are more likely than others to experience certain types of health challenges.
- Nervous system issues may affect how the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system function which not only affect intellectual and learning capabilities, but can show up as seizures, behavioral concerns, and challenges with speech, language, or movement.
- Sensory system issues may result in reduced functioning of any of the five senses – sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell – or how the brain processes information from those senses.
- Metabolism disorders can affect how the body uses food and the balance of nutrients available which can impact digestion, energy levels, growth, and brain functioning.
- Degenerative disorders can result in the loss of various skills, abilities, and functions.
There are four conditions that are not uncommon in IDD Individuals that can be challenging to identify or diagnose. This is often because they may go unrecognized by the Individual, who may not be aware of what poses a risk to them and/or may be unable to express their symptoms even if they recognize that something is not right. Awareness of these possibilities and their symptoms by family members or caregivers can be highly instrumental in preventing them.
- Aspiration is the inhalation of food, fluid, medication or other material into the trachea or lungs during or following swallowing. This can occur if the Individual suffers from chronic chest congestion, has undeveloped eating skills including not chewing their food well, or may not be alert or aware of the aspiration if/when it occurs. Aspiration can quickly evolve into pneumonia which can be very serious, including causing sepsis. To help prevent aspiration, be with the Individual when they eat and drink if their eating skills are in question, or if they may not recognize if they have a problem or be able to call for help.
- Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluid than it produces. Because most organ functions and systems throughout the body are affected by dehydration, problems that can result include decreased cognitive ability, constipation, seizures, and in extreme cases can be life threatening. If dehydration is combined with overheating it can cause heat stroke, which can also quickly become serious. The IDD Individual may not understand the need to hydrate or how to respond to thirst – such as asking for water. To prevent dehydration, monitor their fluid intake, encourage them to drink non-sugary fluids throughout the day, and make hydrating a pleasant experience. Also, learn the signs of heat-related illness, which can initially be subtle – even non-IDD Individuals can find themselves suddenly suffering from the heat without many symptoms. Limit their time in the sun and heat, have them wear a hat that provides both sun protection and ventilation, take cooling breaks, ask them often if they feel hot or tired, and keep them drinking. Learn first aid measures for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Constipation or Bowel Obstruction is the most common cause of preventable death in IDD Individuals. Inadequate frequency or difficulty passing stool can be a side effect of many medications. Symptoms may be difficult for IDD Individuals to recognize so they may not be able to alert caregivers if they have a problem. To prevent this problem, ask their doctor or pharmacist if this may be a possible side effect of the medications they take. Monitor their bowel habits, and if you identify constipation, don’t treat it with over-the-counter medications until you get advice from their doctor.
- Seizures related to issues such as epilepsy are more frequent in IDD Individuals than the general population. Seizures can be triggered by a number of circumstances or events including drug toxicity, aspiration, inadequate ventilation, and associated with various illnesses. Always ask their doctor or pharmacist if seizure may be a risk associated with any new medications and learn how to respond to a seizure should one occur.
Awareness and education of caregivers and family members are key to preventing these issues. Maintaining general good health habits is also essential as IDD Individuals are more likely to experience obesity and the chronic diseases that may go along with it. Depending on their circumstances, they may be more likely to eat processed foods and suffer from malnutrition. Here are some tips to keep your IDD loved ones safe and healthy:
- Be keenly aware of the Individual’s health and hygiene habits and consider documenting them.
- Educate them about health habits to the extent that they are capable of learning.
- Design a regular exercise routine based on their abilities, and with their input, and build a positive, fun atmosphere around it.
- Encourage physical activity throughout the day rather than sedentary behaviors.
- Be sure they stay adequately hydrated and make it part of their daily routine.
- Help them practice good handwashing, bathing, and other hygiene habits.
- Keep surfaces they come in contact with disinfected and take other measures to prevent contracting disease.
- Help them practice regular toothbrushing and dental care.
- Stay on top of medical conditions and secondary conditions.
- Consider taking First Aid and CPR courses.
Since good nutrition is the foundation of good health, ensure healthy eating habits.
- Minimize processed foods.
- Include fresh produce whenever possible.
- Wash produce well to remove pesticides; choose organic when available and affordable.
- Compare prices; although it varies by area, you may find that whole, natural foods, even organic, are often more affordable per serving than processed foods.
- Experiment with quantities to maintain a healthy weight.
- Make sure food is safely stored, thoroughly cooked, and otherwise safely prepared.
- Plan menus together, with input about food preferences.
- Make the Individual in your care a part of meal preparation.
- Routinely serve three healthy meals per day.
- Include abundant whole plant foods with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Choose lean meats without added antibiotics and hormones.
- Serve healthy snacks between meals such as fruit, cheese, and vegetables.
- Choose foods that are low in cholesterol, saturated and trans fats.
- Limit simple sugars and salt.
- Include more plant proteins such as beans and nuts if appropriate, and if not counter-indicated by a risk of choking or aspiration.
- Be attuned to any signs of food allergies, discuss with their doctor, and have antidotes if advised and available.
- Consider a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement with the advice of the Individual’s doctor.
- Serve little or no alcohol.
- Teach good nutrition to the extent the Individual is able to learn.
- Schedule regular checkups as well as dental, eye, and hearing exams.
Be advised that the information included in this article is for educational purposes only, is not to be considered medical advice, and is not provided by a medical professional. If you have any health or medical questions, seek advice from a doctor or other health or medical professional, appropriate to the issue.
With the right knowledge, awareness, and practices in place, caregivers can help IDD Individuals live healthy lives in which they thrive.
