Working in the disability service field I have the opportunity to connect with a variety of health resources and professionals in getting the individuals I support connected. Working alongside individuals with disabilities there are many different chronic diseases that we may see. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention noted in a study that people with disabilities are 3x more likely to contract a chronic disease, mainly due to a higher chance of lower activity when compared with the general population (2014). Of the clientele we support over 70% are also aboriginal. The most recent study I found, published by Statistics Canada in 1996, showed that stats in 1991 demonstrated the Canadian aboriginal population having a disability prevalence of 31% as opposed to the 13% national average. I am sure stats have changed since then however disability in aboriginal populations remain higher than the overall averages.
Of the chronic conditions I commonly see I have the most dealings with FASD (which, on its own, leads to higher risks of many other chronic conditions) as well as addiction; followed by other general chronic health concerns like diabetes, HIV, obesity etc. Stats within our agency show:
- 49% of my direct caseload with a diagnosis of FASD and 25% meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.
- 68% of the entire agency has a diagnosis of FASD and 60% meet the criteria for a substance use disorder.
In comparison in 2012, 21.6% of people met the criteria for substance use disorder (Statistics Canada, 2015)
When looking at FASD, a survey showed that people experienced health problems at rates 2 to 100 times higher depending on the concern, with many issues being chronic including autoimmune diseases, chronic ear infections (147X more likely), joint problems among many others (CBC, 2017). Due to the high risk of chronic disease within the population we support it is very important we have processes in place to ensure people get connected to all the available resources they need to be successful. As a support agency one of our main purposes, among advocating for those we support, is getting them connected with resources they may not be able to, be interested to, or consistently maintain, without some help from our staff. This usually involves working with a multidisciplinary team depending on the persons needs. For someone with FASD, addiction and possibly other chronic concerns this means: helping them find a family doctor and see them regularly, assisting with referrals for psychiatrists, specialists, connecting them with addiction counselling, aiding in treatment, detox, harm reduction research based on their lifestyle, and connecting them with a trustee to help manage their funds, find secure housing etc. Our staff rely on strong community connections and a large knowledge of resources in the community in order to ensure people get and stay connected with those that are trained to help them in the areas of their needs. Alternatively, our programs provide them a safe, secure, and positive, judgement free environment away from negative influences that aid in skill building (employment, social networking, safety etc.) and connecting them with positive alternatives to their often risky and harmful lifestyle and peer connections. Unfortunately, as stated above, many people who have FASD also have addictions as well.
It has been demonstrated that people with intellectual disabilities use substances at an overall lower rate than the general population however the risk of addiction problems in the population is higher (Chapman, 2012). These population’s pose and increased challenge in providing historical wrap around service aka the “group home model” (having a staff at their home 24/7, 365 days a year). For context, as stated above the 25% of addiction on my current caseload fit this wrap around service model; with only 8% of those utilizing hard drugs such as meth or opioids. Our agency has developed a unique model of support tailored to work with this population that we have called our REACH program. The program is an outreach support model coupled with a drop in center and direct weekly support hours to aid in whatever the client needs based on their government funding and health needs. The REACH center specializes in connecting people with treatment, detox, and mental health supports while ensuring they are safe daily and providing a great drop in center with anything from pool, video games and potlucks to employment resources, a snooze room, and peer mentors. This program is the first of its kind in southern Alberta and has been successful in providing a gap in support to many clients within our community that do not fit the typical model.
Staffs utilize training in dealing with these chronic concerns centered around Harm Reduction strategies, the most recent research in FASD, staff safety guidelines and Crisis intervention and Prevention. Staff also refer and connect clients to medical practitioners who refer to their training and work closely with the city police, hospital staff, and addiction and mental health counsellors as well. Chronic diseases are more prevalent in the disability population and through the supports we provide we aid clients to manage these concerns connect them with the resources they need.
Brayden Sharp-Chrunik, BSc.
Resources:
Burge, P., & Williams, D. (2012). Survey on substance misuse and persons with intellectual disabilities in southeastern ontario. Queens University,
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Adults with disabilities. Retrieved March 10, 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/disabilities/index.html
Carroll Chapman, S. L., & Wu, L. T. (2012). Substance abuse among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Research in developmental disabilities, 33(4), 1147-56.
Edward NG. (1996). Disability among aboriginal peoples in 1991. Health Reports, 8(1)
Givetash, L. (2017). Adults with fetal alcohol syndrome appear prone to health concerns, survey says. Retrieved March 09, 2019, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/fetal-alcohol-study-1.4009083
McGillicuddy, N.B. (2006). A review of substance use research among those with mental retardation. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 12:41-47.
Pearson, C., Janz, T. & Ali, J. (2105). Health at a glance: Mental and substance use disorders in canada. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2013001/article/11855-eng.htm
Commentaires