Heart Health and Adults with I/DD: Why Wellness Matters at Every Ability
This February, as we observe American Heart Month, the Trudeau Center highlights an important but often overlooked aspect of supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: cardiovascular wellness. While heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, adults with I/DD face unique challenges in maintaining heart health, making intentional wellness support not just beneficial, but essential.
Understanding the Heart Health Gap
Research consistently shows that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience significant health disparities, particularly regarding cardiovascular health. These disparities stem from multiple factors including limited access to preventive care, communication barriers with healthcare providers, medication side effects, and reduced opportunities for physical activity. Many adults with I/DD also face higher rates of conditions that impact heart health, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The good news is that with the right support systems and accessible wellness strategies, adults with I/DD can achieve meaningful improvements in their cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.
Accessible Strategies for Heart-Healthy Living
Heart health doesn’t require complicated interventions. At Trudeau Center, we’ve found that simple, consistent approaches make the biggest difference:
Nutrition: Small changes like incorporating more colorful vegetables, choosing whole grains, and reducing processed foods can significantly impact heart health. Our programs work with individuals to identify foods they enjoy that also support their wellness goals.
Movement: Physical activity doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Walking, dancing, gardening, or playing active games all count. The key is finding activities that bring joy while getting the body moving.
Stress Management: Techniques like deep breathing, listening to music, spending time in nature, or engaging in favorite hobbies can help manage stress levels that affect heart health.
How Trudeau Supports Heart Health
“Supporting wellness goals is about meeting each person where they are and celebrating every step forward,” explains Silvia Borges, Director of Adult Services at the Trudeau Center. “We’re not just tracking metrics. We’re also helping individuals build habits that enhance their quality of life and give them more energy to pursue the things they love.”
Through Trudeau’s Adult Day Program, participants engage in structured wellness activities including movement breaks, cooking demonstrations focused on heart-healthy meals, and educational sessions about taking care of their bodies. Staff work individually with participants to set personalized wellness goals and track progress in ways that feel meaningful and motivating.
Community Support Services bring this wellness focus into home and community settings, helping individuals incorporate healthy habits into their daily routines. Whether it’s grocery shopping for nutritious foods, taking walks in the neighborhood, or attending medical appointments, support staff serve as partners in achieving health goals.
Our Residential Services provide consistent support for healthy routines, coordinate medical care, and ensure that wellness remains a priority even when life gets busy. Staff collaborate with healthcare providers to understand each person’s specific needs and adapt daily routines accordingly.
Tips for Caregivers Supporting Heart Health
Supporting the cardiovascular wellness of a loved one with I/DD starts with these practical steps:
- Schedule and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor heart health markers.
- Make wellness activities social and fun rather than feeling like work.
- Model healthy behaviors yourself. Families often adopt wellness habits together.
- Celebrate small victories and progress, not just end goals.
- Ensure medications are taken as prescribed and communicate any concerns to healthcare providers.
- Encourage choices within healthy options to maintain autonomy.
- Focus on how wellness activities make the person feel, not just what they should do.
Creating Brighter, Healthier Futures
Heart health is about more than preventing disease – it’s about empowering adults with I/DD to live fuller, more energetic lives doing the things they love. This American Heart Month, we’re reminded that with the right support, every person can take meaningful steps toward better wellness.
Interested in learning how Trudeau’s Adult Day Program or Community Support Services can support wellness goals for you or your loved one? Visit www.trudeaucenter.org or call (401) 739-2700 to connect with our team. Together, we can create a healthier, brighter future.
AI may have been used in the initial drafting and research of this article. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical, therapeutic, or individualized service advice. Every person’s needs and circumstances are unique. For information about services specific to you or your loved one, please contact the Trudeau Center.
