gms | German Medical Science

Background and status of (inter)national research: The consequences of the corona pandemic affect our whole society including all areas of life. Particularly vulnerable people are affected in their daily life situations. For people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and profound intellectual and multible disabilities (PIMD), everyday risks to be excluded are further increased under pandemic conditions.

Previous studies focus on the health effects for people with PIMD or the impact of the so called “lock-downs” in certain countries for daily life of this specific target group. Central findings are “the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities worldwide” [1].

Question and objective: The presented study focusses on domestic conditions of people with intellectual disabilities, which have been of prime concern during the German lock down in March 2020.

Method or hypothesis: Pilot study (qualitative questionnaire survey, n=48)

Results: The majority of the persons with ID interviewed experienced above all loneliness and a reduction in social relations. The caregivers increasingly take on a special role in support.

Discussion: The general classification as a risk group leads to increased restrictions for people with ID and PIMD.

Practical implications: There is a lack of suitable concepts for supporting the target group and their caregivers in different areas (e.g. explaining the COVID-19 pandemic, technical issues, dealing with the risk of an infection)

Appeal for practice (science and/or care) in one sentence: Greater consideration of people with ID in all areas of dealing with the impact of the pandemic.