Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Growing older together: ageing and people with learning disabilities and their family carers
- Authors:
- WALKER Carol, WARD Cally
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 18(3), 2013, pp.112-119.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the new challenge posed by the first generations of people with learning disabilities who are now living into older age in significant numbers. Most are living with family carers, who are themselves ageing. This represents a major transition in people's lives and one to which services must respond if a normal life event is not to be turned into a crisis. The article draws on the work of the authors for over a decade in this field. It examines the implications for both the older people themselves and for the ageing family carers with whom the majority live and of current government policy in social care and welfare benefits for this very vulnerable group. Learning disabled people are likely to experience the age discrimination common in much older people provision and practice and the caring relationship is undermined in the short and long term. Evidence on the extension of personalisation indicates that it presents very considerable challenges for this group of families. More information is needed on this growing population. More preventative support is needed to sustain the caring relationship while the family is living together, to support families to plan for the future, and to provide support when the caring relationship breaks down. (Edited publisher abstract)
Improving the quality of life for people with learning disabilities as they grow older: a challenge for providers
- Author:
- WARD Cally
- Publisher:
- Association for Real Change
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 24
- Place of publication:
- Chesterfield
This document is uses eight outcomes statements to identify what learning disability providers must do to meet the Real Change Challenge of improving the quality of life for people who have a learning disability as they grow older. It provides advice and sets out practical steps on how to ensure that people with learning difficulties continue to have lives that are healthy, happy and fulfilled. The eight outcomes aim to ensure that people are supported, involved, have good health, feel safe, are able to take part in activities, are in contact with people in their social networks, are supported when people close to them die, and that they can come to terms with their own end of life. Bullet points provide advice on how to deliver outcomes and implications for staff development. (Original abstract)