Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Confidence of group home staff in supporting the health needs of older residents with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- WEBBER Ruth, BOWERS Barbara, BIGBY Christine
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 41(2), 2016, pp.107-114.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: Increased life expectancy for people with intellectual disability is accompanied by increased age-related health concerns. People ageing with intellectual disability experience more health conditions and are relocated to aged care earlier than their age peers. Method: Group home staff were surveyed about their (a) training and confidence in 11 health conditions and 7 health procedures, and (b) attitude to relocating residents with health needs to aged care. Results: Staff training in each of 10 health conditions and 7 health procedures was positively associated with increased confidence in supporting residents with those health issues. Higher staff confidence in caring for residents with 9 conditions and requiring 4 procedures was negatively associated with a likelihood of recommending that a person with those health needs should relocate to aged care. Conclusions: Targeted training of staff in age-related health issues may contribute to better health care and delay residents relocating to aged care. (Publisher abstract)
Assisting individuals ageing with learning disability: support worker perspectives
- Authors:
- WARK Stuart, HUSSAIN Rafat, EDWARDS Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 20(4), 2015, pp.213-222.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: While ageing with an intellectual (learning) disability has been subject to increased research in recent years, there remains little knowledge regarding the daily practice issues that disability workers struggle most to support in this cohort. This paper aims to gain feedback directly from staff regarding the problems they experience in daily work, and to evaluate whether any changes to legislation or practice could potentially alleviate identified areas of concern. Design/methodology/approach: A Delphi project was conducted over three rounds with participants from rural areas of New South Wales (NSW). The panel was composed of support workers who assist people ageing with a learning disability. Participants were asked their perceptions of the main practice issues facing them while they provide support. Findings: The panel identified 29 issues that were considered problematic in the provision of support to people ageing with a learning disability. A thematic analysis indicated three main themes of access to services; time constraints; and funding. Research limitations/implications: The participants in this study were all disability workers employed by non-government organisations in rural NSW, and as such, many of the issues identified may be specific to this population cohort and geographic setting. Any generalisation of these results to other locations or populations must be considered within these limitations. Originality/value: Identification of the issues facing disability staff may facilitate government, health care providers and disability organisations to proactively plan to address current and future problem areas. The consequent effect of improving practices can assist individuals to receive better support and lead to a corresponding improvement in their quality of life. The current implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Australia is an ideal opportunity for cross-sectoral collaboration to change practice to facilitate better support for a highly vulnerable group of the community. (Publisher abstract)
Living well with dementia
- Author:
- BRITTON Beth
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 14(4), July/August 2014, pp.14-15.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
As people with learning disabilities live longer, their chances of developing dementia increase. This article explores what can be done to ensure they live well for longer with the condition. The article highlights the importance of providing training and education to the families of people caring for people with dementia and staff in the workforce. Other key issues include providing continuity of care, the importance of observational skills and good communication. (Original abstract)
The training needs of staff supporting individuals ageing with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- WARK Stuart, HUSSAIN Rafat, EDWARDS Helen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(3), 2014, pp.273-288.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: The issue of ageing within the cohort of people with intellectual disabilities has been an increasing focus for research. However, the training needs of the staff who support them has not been subject of extensive examination. Materials and Methods: A multiround Delphi project was conducted focusing upon the impact ageing issues have on the support provided by disability workers, and what training is required to address the identified areas. Results: Three rounds of the Delphi identified twenty-six separate important issues. A thematic analysis identified five main themes including Generic Training Issues; Medical Issues; Emerging Ageing Issues Requiring Changing Support; Mental Health Issues; and Quality of Life. Conclusions: The study identified a series of training priorities for staff assisting people ageing with an intellectual disability. It would appear possible for many training programmes to be developed and delivered with minimal cost impacts even within rural localities. (Original abstract)
Ageing matters: pathways for older people with a learning disability; unit one; introduction; working with older people with a learning disability
- Authors:
- HARRIS John, BENNETT Lucille, HOGG James
- Publisher:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 1997
- Pagination:
- 35p.
- Place of publication:
- Kidderminster
Unit one of a set of training materials aimed at staff working with older people with learning difficulties. This section introduces ageing and using the right words, looks at attitudes towards ageing and goes on to examine the effects of increasing age on people with learning difficulties. Concludes with a chapter on helping people to adapt as they grow older and a summary of points of practice.
It's OK to feel sad
- Author:
- BROOKS Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Learning Disability Today, 10(9), November 2010, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Many parents who are now in their 70s and 80s are still caring for a son or a daughter with learning disabilities. These parents are facing difficulties with their son or daughter that they may not have anticipated, such as ageing, bereavement, the increased risk of developing dementia, and enduring terminal illness. In 2006, Respond launched the Elders Project to help people with learning disabilities and their families deal with issues of ageing and loss. Respond offers psychotherapy which can help clients understand and manage difficult feelings experienced by those growing older. Often people may need one-to-one work, but there is also a weekly loss and bereavement group which explores areas including anger, depression, sadness, fear and guilt. The project supports families through a free and confidential helpline which provides advice and information on planning for the future, plus counselling support and advocacy. In addition, the Elder Project has developed an intensive staff training programme around loss and bereavement called The Loss Discussion Group Training. This tackles the difficulties faced by staff who can often feel unready to support people dealing with painful losses, which may lead to residential and day services lacking the confidence to provide robust bereavement support.
Ageing matters: pathways for older people with a learning disability; manager's reader
- Authors:
- MOSS Steve, LAMBE Loretto, HOGG James
- Publisher:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 1998
- Pagination:
- 179p.
- Place of publication:
- Kidderminster
Managers reader accompanying a set of six study units containing training materials for staff working with older people with learning difficulties. This reader has sections on: what we mean by ageing; the concept of successful ageing; trends in ageing and society; the implications of increased life expectancy; and society's attitude to ageing and older people.
Healthy ageing - adults with intellectual disabilities: summative report
- Author:
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(3), 2001, pp.256-275.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Presents a summary of a paper which has been jointly prepared by International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities (IASSID) and Inclusion International (II) in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence and the Programme on Ageing and Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva. It examines the general health status of adults with intellectual disabilities, identifies the conditions that support their longevity and promote healthy ageing, and proposes health and social inclusion promotion activities that would universally foster sound health and improve quality of life.
Ageing matters: pathways for older people with a learning disability; resource pack
- Authors:
- MOSS Steve, LAMBE Loretto, HOGG James
- Publisher:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 1998
- Pagination:
- 67p.
- Place of publication:
- Kidderminster
Resource pack designed to be used with a set of six units containing training materials aimed at staff working with older people with learning difficulties.
Quality of life for people with disabilities: models, research and practice
- Author:
- BROWN Roy I.
- Publisher:
- Stanley Thornes
- Publication year:
- 1997
- Pagination:
- 369p.
- Place of publication:
- Cheltenham
Examines critically the concepts and issues surrounding quality of life; looks at new ways of assessing and managing in the different fields of disabilities; re-examines professional training; and takes a holistic approach to the concept of quality of life. Includes chapters on: focusing on the individual; assessing the quality of life of adults with profound disabilities; developmental systems and narrative approaches to working with families of people with disabilities; disabled children; disabled people and ageing; environmental design and quality of life; sexual rights and people with learning difficulties; and human spirituality in relation to quality of life.