Health profile of female caregivers supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home

Sixty percent of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our nation are supported in their own home by middle and older-age family caregivers. While the health status of these caregivers could have a direct implication on their current and future capacity in supporting their family members with IDD, there is little information about their well-being. The present study examined the prevalence of ten common chronic health conditions (arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, and osteoporosis) among female caregivers, ages 40 and above, who support adult family members with IDD at their own home. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 206 female caregivers living in Illinois who participated in a statewide survey addressing the health of adults with IDD and their primary caregivers. Results were compared with those of their age-peers using the IL BRFSS data, population-based health survey for IL's state residents. Study caregivers commonly reported arthritis (50.0%), high blood pressure (47.1%), high blood cholesterol (46.2%), and obesity (39.2%). Prevalence of arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and osteoporosis for older caregivers (ages 60+) was significantly higher than that of their middle-age counterparts (ages 40-59). When compared to women in the general population, the study caregivers reported a significantly higher prevalence of arthritis, high blood pressure, and obesity. Implications on (1) the future health promotion effort for this group and (2) formal residential services to persons with IDD will be discussed.