Supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to cope and thrive through transitions to later-life phases

Guideline 12 of the “Primary care of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2018 Canadian consensus guidelines”1 recommends preparing early for persons undergoing life-phase changes and other transitions. This entails attending to the health, psychosocial, and spiritual or existential needs associated with the person’s developmental life phase, declining functioning, and context. It also entails developing a transition plan to meet the increasing needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their support system in a realistic and sustainable manner by continuing and offering increased health care, social, and other supports. Guideline 12 needs to be understood in the context of all 32 guidelines and the related tools, some of which this case highlights. The journeys of adults with IDD transitioning to later-life phases and those of family caregivers who accompany them can be complex. Family physicians, especially those working in a Patient’s Medical Home model, can play important roles in facilitating this journey through assessment and planning