Long-term care of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and severe physical abnormalities

Abstract

Objective: This study sets out to review the clinical profile and treatment program of children and adolescents with intellectual disability in Waverley Care Center (WCC). Method: A retrospective review was done of users from January to December 2004. Reviewed parameters included age, gender, length of stay, DSM IV diagnoses, current medical treatment, and level of functioning and mobility according to the Therapeutic Classification System for Children (TCS). Results: A total of 179 users were receiving care. Although the mean age of users was 14 to 15 years, their ages ranged from 3 to 34 years. The gender ratio of users was 1 (female) to 1.6 (male). The average length of stay was 6.73 years and the range of stay from 0.5 to 29 years. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed in eight children and pervasive disorders were suspected in some. Intellectual impairment ranged from severe to profound. Specific interventions with regard to severe physical impairments were made by occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Conclusion: Due to the extent of their physical disabilities requiring full-time nursing care, discharge and placement back in the community remained a rare option for most users in the study group.

Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2007, 19 (2): 115–121