Basic Standards of Health care for People with Intellectual Disabilities - Manifesto

Abstract

The following criteria should be universally recognised and accepted as basic standards of adequate health care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

1. Optimal availability and accessibility to mainstream health services with primary care physicians playing a central role. This means that people with intellectual disabilities will: 

1. 1. Use mainstream health services.
   2. Receive more time for consultations in the clinic or in home visits, when needed.
   3. Receive adequate support in communication, when needed.
   4. Receive a proactive approach to their health needs.
   5. Have no extra financial, physical or legislative barriers to use mainstream services.
   6. Be able to participate in screening programmes, in the same way as anybody else.
   7. Be supported in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that will prevent illness and encourage positive health outcomes.
   8. Receive understandable information about health and health promotion (also available to family and carers).
   9. Receive health care with good co-operation and co-ordination between different professionals.