Transition-of-care planning: Preparing for the future care of the individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) are often harmed when faced with changes in their living or care circumstances. Their inability to make sudden quality of life choices puts them at a disadvantage due to cognitive and communication difficulties. A quality improvement project was conducted with adult habilitation agency clients with IDD. Use of evidence-based methods, team collaborative communication, patient safety guidelines, and adherence to agency mission and policies were instrumental in development of a transition-of-care plan form given to clients on admission or during scheduled manager visits. A follow-up survey resulted in significant quantitative data results showing the importance of future planning to the client and guardian.