As People With Disabilities Live Longer Care Systems Must Adapt

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are living longer than ever before. Life expectancy has steadily increased over the past several decades, a remarkable achievement driven by medical advances and improved living conditions.

But this progress brings a new challenge: how do care systems evolve to support aging individuals with IDD, especially as their family caregivers age as well?

A Growing Demographic Shift

The number of people with disabilities over age 60 is projected to nearly double by 2030. At the same time, more than 25% of family caregivers are already over 60.

Many individuals who have long been supported at home will soon require group homes or residential services. Yet providers are already stretched thin. A recent national report found that 88% of community-based IDD providers face moderate or severe staffing shortages, and many have had to turn away new referrals. Waiting lists exist. Planning cannot be delayed.

Evolving Care for Aging Residents

Organizations like Hammer & NER in Minnesota are adapting to this new reality. As their population ages, they are:

• Training staff to recognize and respond to dementia and age-related conditions

• Remodeling homes to improve accessibility and mobility

• Investing in workforce development and retention

But these changes require funding, and funding remains uncertain.

Preparing Before Crisis

Experts warn that without proactive planning, families may face emergency placements, which often lead to instability.

We are now supporting the first generation of senior citizens living with IDD. Their needs are more complex, more medical, and more long-term than ever before.

Care systems must shift from reactive to proactive, strengthening staffing, training, infrastructure, and coordination now. Because aging with dignity depends on preparation.

This blog post is based on reporting by James Walsh, originally published in The Minnesota Star Tribune on January 13, 2026.