The National Trust: A viable model of care for adults with intellectual disabilities in India

Abstract

The longevity of people with intellectual disabilities is increasing in developing nations. However, developing nations lack a proper system of care for aging persons with intellectual disabilities. Until now the care has been provided by parents and relatives in the home environment in developing countries, but this scenario is also changing; therefore, there is a strong need to explore a plan of care for this population which is also feasible and replicable. The National Trust is an autonomous body of the Government of India which has developed a comprehensive plan of care for adults with intellectual disabilities. In this article, the National Trust is discussed using a socioecological model. The replicability and suitability of this model for other developing countries are discussed.