Prior to the 1930’s, people with disabilities were often abandoned, institutionalized, or given subpar care that led to shorter life spans. In fact, according to the AADD (Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities), the average life expectancy for people with a developmental disability was 22 years old in 1931, compared to 62 years for the general population. Today, the average life expectancy for a person with developmental disabilities is 70 years old, MUCH closer to that of the general population.
Thankfully, for the first time in history, we have a generation of adults with disabilities who are living longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
The shift to greater longevity brings into focus a lack of aging- related resources specifically for adults with developmental disabilities, as traditional care facilities are not equipped to care for this growing population with complex needs.
In response to this unmet need, LADD has introduced an initiative called “Aging with Dignity at Victory Parkway.” The goal of this initiative is to realize LADD’s commitment of supporting an individual for the entirety of their adult life. This means providing housing with the features/technology to continuously support the individuals living there.
In total, this project will provide 22 independent housing flats that support the needs of aging adults with developmental disabilities. There will also be a community garden, quiet reflection spaces, and a well paved, accessible walking path.
We are proud to announce that our first “Forever Home” has officially been built on LADD’s Victory Parkway campus. The home includes spots for 6 residents, and features all of the necessary technology and supports to meet the needs of those living there. The first group of residents are officially moved into the brand new, state-of-the-art home as of this month. It is comforting to know that we have found a way for the individuals living on the Victory Parkway campus to continue to comfortably live there as they age. One of our current residents, Roger, is a perfect example of this.
Roger has lived at the Victory Parkway campus for most of his adult life. As he has aged, his level of independence has declined and his age-related health issues have increased. Now instead of moving to a nursing facility, he can age with dignity, and in a higher level of care, just across the parking lot from the place he has always called home.
