Longevity and Down Syndrome

While it is interesting to hear about the oldest living person with Down syndrome in the U.K., and to learn about the Guinness Book of World Record holder in the U.S., there is a downside to this longevity.

The Times Online, a U.K. paper, does a nice job outlining some of the issues families and caregivers of people with Down syndrome face as the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome increases. This article, looking at a number of different families, discusses some of the care issues faced by families including independent living, sexuality and social care.

Is your family struggling with any of these issues? Do you have a plan for when your child gets older?