In collaboration with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Aging Project focuses on both the experiences of people with ID/D aging and those of their caregivers. Similarities and differences between aging with and without disability is considered as well as healthcare disparities and shared decision-making strategies. The project seeks to provide professionals and families with information and resources to effectively support healthy aging, person- and family centered health care decision making, and considerations for end-of-life planning.

The Aging Project provides in-person and virtual training for professionals, family members, and related services providers. Topics include the physical, mental and social dimensions of aging and their impact on direct service provision (day and residential) and best practices for program development; information about the growing population of caregivers over 60, the “club sandwich” generation of caregivers, and the lack of meaningful service system-, personal- and family centered future planning around aging; and, supported healthcare decision-making up to and including for end-of-life decisions.

For current training opportunities, please visit The Boggs Center Online Registration System.

Technical assistance is available in-person, by phone, or virtually for day, employment, and residential programs and families. Typical areas for technical assistance include curriculum development for individualized and day services, assessment of residential settings and services, tips on how to effectively plan around such topics as aging caregivers, the impact of aging on the focus person, and/or supported healthcare decision-making. Contact margaret.gilbride@rutgers.edu for more information.