Health and Care Characteristics of Ageing Adults With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Living in French Facilities

BACKGROUND: Life expectancy among individuals with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities/Polyhandicap (PIMD/PLH) has increased, making information essential for age-appropriate care. This study compared health characteristics and care use between younger and older adults with PIMD/PLH in institutions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the French PIMD/PLH cohort. Inclusion criteria were (i) age > 3 years; (ii) PIMD/PLH diagnosis. Data on health characteristics and health care consumption were included. Adults were compared by age (≤ 45 vs. > 45 years). RESULTS: Mean age was 34.5 ± 6.0 in the younger group and 55 ± 5.9 in the older group. While overall polyhandicap severity was similar, older adults exhibited a greater dependency level. Gastroesophageal reflux and symptomatic osteoporosis were more prevalent in the younger group; dental disorders, chronic pain, and sleep disorders predominated in the older group. Older adults received less medical and paramedical care. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for lifelong medical and rehabilitative care in PIMD/PLH. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02400528.