and with those Ukrainians with intellectual disabilities and dementia
We recommend that as the world’s support continues to grow, a portion of the support and funds will be dedicated to those Ukrainians who are primary caregivers and who are less likely to be able to safely leave Ukraine. Further, caring for persons who have been displaced and are now or who will be outside of Ukraine also will require special attention. Inconsistent care and supports, change of environment, potential for abuse and neglect, and uncertainty and fear can lead to unpredictable and possibly reactive catastrophic behaviors and worsening of the skills and functions of persons with intellectual disabilities and dementia. In the best of times, assuring equity for vulnerable populations who cannot speak for themselves is difficult. This crisis compounds the difficulty.