1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«This commentary calls attention to the neglect of the needs and concerns of older people living with ND [neurodiversity] and of those who support them, both prior to, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. By doing so, [authors] hope to awaken a collective social work response to the pandemic in Canada that highlights the critical role of support and advocacy necessary to address the social exclusion faced by older adults living with ND and their aging family carers.» (p. 2)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
To make this article, the authors draw on their own experiences as social workers working with older people living with ND and their aging family carers. They «have been involved in advocacy work alongside self-advocates and families.» (p. 6-7)

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

«In responding to the COVID-19 crisis through a biomedical lens, [the] health and social care system is at risk of ignoring the significant marginalization, risk and vulnerability facing older adults with ND and their aging family carers. The limitations which existed within this system prior to the pandemic have contributed to a situation of crisis proportions. These limitations include: [t]he combined impact of austerity and governmentality; [a]n over-emphasis on funding acute hospital care to the detriment of other sectors; [l]imitations in specialized knowledge about aging with ND, and [l]imited opportunities for coordinated knowledge and best-practice exchange in health, social service, rehabilitation, home care and housing sectors. A focus on emergency preparedness in acute care settings, with the resulting reduction of services for persons with ND and redeployment of specialized staff (including social workers and educators) will, no doubt, lead to increased health risks for an already marginalized and forgotten segment of our older adult population. Social workers […] are well placed to lead efforts to both better respond to realities and needs and to identify and develop policies and practices that address the citizenship and human rights of older adults with ND and their aging family carers. Space must be made at the policy-making table for the voices of social workers, and for the inclusion of social work as an essential service during these uncertain times.» (p. 7)