COVID-19
has plagued the world for the past half year.
The United States has been hit the hardest. Its not even close. I will not get into the theories why the
virus has advanced more in this country than any other – that’s a topic for another
discussion. However, I am especially
concerned for its effect upon those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
(IDD).
A recent
study in New York State reveals some shocking statistics. For the entire State the rate of confirmed
COVID-19 cases was 19 per 100,000.
However, among those with disabilities and living in group homes the
rate was 7,841 per 100,000. To put it
another way, 1.9% of the general population has been diagnosed with COVID-19,
while 38% of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities were
diagnosed with COVID-19.
Similarly, the
death rate of COVID-19 victims was about twice as high among the disabled
compared to the general population – 15% versus 7.9%. The reasons for such a discrepancy are not
clear. For some, they may not have as
good access to quality health care as the general population. Or, perhaps, having multiple people who are
unrelated living together may be a contributing factor. The constant rotation shift for the staff may
also be a contributing influence. Then
again, could it be that people with IDD tend to have compromised immune systems
or poorer health in general? At this
point there are no clear answers.
In addition
to a greater vulnerability to COVID-19, persons with IDD tend to experience
other negative side effects of this pandemic.
As a general observation this population likes routine. Many function at their best emotionally when
they have a set schedule of activities and are kept relatively busy. Down time tends to result in behavioral
and/or emotional problems. However, for
the past four months such activities have been turned upside down. Those who work or participate in day programs
have had to cope with shutdowns. Therapy
sessions have been either put on hold or performed by phone or virtually, at
best. These, however, are limited and,
in my opinion, not as effective as face-to-face sessions, if for no other
reason than the fact they are almost always shorter in duration. For many with IDD such sessions are crucial
to maintain a healthy attitude and to process daily complications. Negative consequences are to be expected when
these services are hindered.
Still another
negative influence for persons in group homes is the lack of family
contact. Since mid-March group homes
have been closed to all visitors, including family members. At least I know this has been true in
Pennsylvania. I expect it is the same in
nearly all States. Again, persons with
intellectual and developmental disabilities tend to do best when they can have
quality time with family members. It is
understandable that restrictions need to be put in place during a
pandemic. Such restrictions, though,
will add to emotional problems, and when combined with the other issues
described above, will create even greater complications.
There are
no easy answers to thus problem. Group
homes need to look at the whole picture and seek to address the unique needs of
each individual. They also need to work
with families for the well being of their clients. It is never easy to care for a person with a
disability and given the complexities of this pandemic special care is of the
utmost necessity.
For more
information on this topic and about the New York study cited above go to https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/07/13/group-home-residents-with-developmental-disabilities-more-likely-to-die-from-covid-19/28582/.
G. D. Gehr
July 14, 2020
