The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Older Adults with DD and Their Caregivers

Project Goal
Develop a statewide network of virtual health centers and Medicaid health homes that will be supported by telehealth

Project Summary
This project addresses barriers to health care for older adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and their caregivers. These barriers include limited access to informed health care and not enough trained medical professionals to diagnose and manage the health care needs of older adults with DD. The project will create a statewide network of telehealth centers and provide education on aging-related health care and support for caregivers and family members. Additional project activities include:

• completing a gap analysis of the health care needs of older adults with DD, aging family members of people with DD, service providers, and others; 
• leading workshops and webinars on care related to DD and dementia;
• creating an interactive website for older adults and caregivers to connect with health care providers who understand their unique needs; and
• developing a training network for health care providers who work with older adults with DD.
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Through this project, TCDD seeks to develop new and innovative initiatives to support people with DD who are aging and their caregivers. As this population continues to grow, our system must be better equipped to serve their unique needs by providing information, resources, and support.