Neuropsychological program for healthy ageing - Aura Foundation

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR A HEALTHY AGING OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

AURA FOUNDATION www.aurafundacio.org

  • Aura Foundation was founded in 1989.
  • Pioneered a Supported Employment programme in  Spain.
  • 32 years offering a personalized service based on the  ability of its participants, people with DID
  • currently serving 306 people (23% older than 40 years old)


    • NEUROPSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMME Research and aging programme

    Specific objectives

  • Describing the process of aging in individuals with intellectual disabilities based on indicators of cognitive, behavioural and emotional.
  • Detecting neuropsychological changes related to cognitive  impairment and make an appropriate differential diagnosis.
  • Apply effective intervention to prevent cognitive and functional  level to promote active and healthy aging.
  • Cognitive stimulation: NEURONUP PROGRAM

    • AURA “VITAL PROGRAMME” 

    Definition and participants

  • Aura Vital was born in January 2011.
  • It’s aimed at participants of Aura Foundation who need it due to health reasons or previously retired.
  • It’s an alternative in order to respond to a new reality that this population needs.
  • Between 8-10% of the participants need special  attention to stay active and not to lose autonomy. 
  • They are in situations of sick leave because of health reasons and/or premature aging.  
  • 3% are older than 45 years old.

    • Objectives

  • Promote actions to encourage the development and  maintenance of skills, independence and quality of  life.
  • Promote a better level of self-steem and emotional  state, as well as improving interpersonal relationships.
  • Promote actions to achieve greater autonomy and  self-determination for an active lifestyle.
    • Methodology
  • Aura Vital offers different activities to a very small group to optimize the benefits to increase independence.
  • Scheduled activities are organised daily, except  psychological treatment which are monthly sessions. 
  • A variety of activities ensure the participation and  motivation and promote an active lifestyle.

    • Activities

  • Activities include cognitive stimulation, cultural recreational, artistic, physical activities and domestic life.
  • Some of them are carried out in Aura Vital like cognitive stimulation and art and painting. Others in AH where people practise cooking and other aspects of domestic life. Others also use neighborhood services.
    • REALITY IN SPAIN
  • Lack of specific services and support to meet  adequately the needs posed by aging people DID. 
  • Referral to inadequate services is occurring in many  situations.
  • The existence of poor health and premature aging process make it difficult to detect, evaluate and programme suitable intervention and care for these people.