Bridging the Bridging the Gaps Beyond Gaps Beyond TransitionTransition……

The Adult Down Syndrome The Adult Down Syndrome

ClinicClinic

Valerie Gatt & Michelle Cilia Authors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle

Cilia, Josette Camilleri

Introduction to Introduction to ClinicClinic…

Main aim of this initiative:Main aim of this initiative:to foster a holistic attitude towards health to foster a holistic attitude towards health

issues for individuals aged 16 + with Down issues for individuals aged 16 + with Down SyndromeSyndrome

… … an opportunity for providing a seamless an opportunity for providing a seamless service service

… … allowing for early & appropriate health allowing for early & appropriate health promotion & education. promotion & education. 

… … a source of support to carers and GPsa source of support to carers and GPs

……In collaboration with the ‘In collaboration with the ‘Down Syndrome Association’Down Syndrome Association’ Authors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle Cilia, Josette Camilleri

WHY WAS WHY WAS THIS CLINIC THIS CLINIC OPENED?OPENED?

Before… there was no specific health servicesno specific health services targeted

for individuals 16 + with DS – these persons were ‘lost’ in the system

GAP IDENTIFIEDGAP IDENTIFIED…

Those with health problems referred to adult Those with health problems referred to adult services... services...

BUTBUTThose with no health issues - no follow-up…Those with no health issues - no follow-up…

……seen at acute setting seen at acute setting when the problem prop when the problem prop up!up! Authors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle

Cilia, Josette Camilleri

THE VISIT…THE VISIT…… at least once a year… doctor and nurse allocated … assessment of the physical

and social needs of the person

… medical check-up & referrals for further tests, follow-ups or other professionals

The The Cardiff Health CheckCardiff Health Check is is used as an assessment used as an assessment tool for the clinic…tool for the clinic…

… … paperless clinicpaperless clinicAuthors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle Cilia, Josette Camilleri

NEEDS OF THE OLDER NEEDS OF THE OLDER PERSON WITH DOWN PERSON WITH DOWN

SYNDROME...SYNDROME...RISK FOR HEALTH PROBLEMS …because of their increased

likelihood to experience morbidity and health problems

Eg. heart disease, hypothyroidism, hearing and visual impairment, diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, epilepsy, alzheimer’s and sleep apnea

Therefore, health screening so that any arising problems can be detected and treated as early as

possibleAuthors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle Cilia, Josette Camilleri

GATHERING FEEDBACK GATHERING FEEDBACK from from

Teenagers & Adolescent Teenagers & Adolescent with DS…with DS…

Education regarding:Education regarding:

• Body image (fashion/self-care)Body image (fashion/self-care)• Computer literacy, Computer literacy, • Drama/singing/dancingDrama/singing/dancing• EmploymentEmployment• Further educationFurther education• Having friends & SocializationHaving friends & Socialization• Relationships (dating & marriage)Relationships (dating & marriage)

Authors: Valerie Gatt, Michelle Cilia, Josette Camilleri