The Effects of an Occupational Therapy Program on the Overall Well-Being of Older Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders in a Nontraditional Residential Setting

Background: Life expectancy for older adults with intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD) has increased significantly over the years. As longevity increases for adults with IDD, the number of Americans needing long-term services and support, such as residential facilities, is projected to increase as well. This shift has led to an increased need for external services in residential facilities, such as occupational therapy (OT), to address the psychosocial needs of older adults with IDD. Methods: A non-experimental, pre and post-test one-group design was used to assess the effects of a four-week OT program on the overall well-being and QOL of residents (n=8) over 65 with a diagnosis of IDD at a selected community site. Participants engaged in a four-week OT program every week, focusing on social participation, emotional regulation, and volition with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). The Model of Human Occupational Screening Tool (MOHOST) and the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ) were used to assess changes in self-perception of occupational performance and volition with occupational performance. Results: The data collected via the MOHOST showed that participant’s MOHOST scores increased from the pretest (M = 55.50, SD = 6.39) to the post-test (M = 69.00, SD = 11.03) t (7) = -5.26, p <.001). A significant difference (Z = -2.395, p <.05) was noted between scores given for the pre- and post-MOHOST scores. Analysis of the VQ demonstrated mean scores related to volition differed significantly across three time points (F (1, 7) = 23.6, p < .05). Conclusion: These results indicate that OT can have a positive impact on the overall well-being and quality of Life (QOL) of older adults with IDD living in a residential facility. The positive results highlight the importance of expanding OT services on the overall well-being and QOL of the community, especially for underserved populations.