The ageing of disabled people cared for in social or medico-social establishments

Our ambition was two-fold: as a first step, we approached ageing disabled people (PHV) already in a specialised establishment. We assessed how they and the people working with them saw life after 60. Secondly, we assessed the preparation for this stage of life of adults living in their parents’ home. So as to gather as much information as possible and to encourage maximum discussion, we decided to hold interviews. A non-directive interview was possible with professionals and families, but with PHV, some changes were necessary along with stimulation, reformulation, etc. Interviews were therefore semi-directive. These meetings lasted for about an hour and took place between April 2002 and October 2003. For a faithful dispatch of the information gathered during the interviews, we used a classificatory type content analysis. This work has essentially shown us that the concept of ageing does not feature as part of a PHV’s identity. However, from the age of 30, they regress physically, change psychologically and suffer from social and family isolation even though their need for relationships stays the same. Progress needs to be made with regard to professional training, decisions about and implementation of geriatric guidance and social and medical standards to prepare for and monitor the ageing of disabled people. Information and support for families are areas requiring development. The disability and geriatrics sectors could benefit much from sharing their knowledge and expertise.