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How personalised technology can play an important role in supporting people with learning disabilities as they age and face the onset of dementia
- Author:
- NICHOLS M
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 5(3), 2011, pp.158-163.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
HfT is a national learning disability charity. This article reports on its work at Old Quarries, a mix of residential and supported living accommodation in Gloucestershire for people with learning disabilities. The article presents case studies featuring individuals with the onset of dementia who were able to use personalised technology to empower them to live more independently and to remain in their homes rather than being moved into alternative, unfamiliar accommodation. The personalised technology described includes a bedroom door sensor alerting staff when a door is opened, a talking photo album, a fingerprint lock for a front door, and a radio frequency identification device worn by individuals which alerts staff when the wearer is about to move from a lower to a high risk area.
Case report: an unusual case of post-stroke psychosis in a 71-year-old lady with a learning disability
- Authors:
- LEEDS Lesley, SRINIVASAN Janaki
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(4), December 2011, pp.292-294.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Stroke is a major health concern, and can lead to psychiatric problems, and people with a learning disability are just as likely as people in the general population to be at risk of cerebrovascular disease, due to the presence of undetected or undertreated vascular risk factors. However, it is often difficult to tell whether someone with a learning disability has had a stroke, especially if they seem well. When people with a learning disability are presenting with additional cognitive impairment, it is important to consider a range of conditions that may account for this. Stroke is a major cause of cognitive impairment in older people, affecting at least one-third of stroke survivors. However, post-stroke psychosis is rare following stroke, and, as can be seen from the case of ‘May’, a 71 year-old lady with a learning disability, individuals can make a good recovery with appropriate assessment and intervention. The article concludes that it is important that a diagnosis of dementia is given only after all other potentially treatable conditions have been excluded, and there is deterioration in condition that defies other explanations.
Can clinicians and carers make valid decisions about others' decision-making capacities unless tests of decision-making competence and capacity include emotionality and neurodiversity?
- Authors:
- MACKENZIE Robin, WATTS John
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 16(3), 2011, pp.43-51.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper offers academic criticism and explanation for the lack of knowledge of many of those involved in capacity assessments, especially non-professionals such as carers of the learning disabled. It suggests that current guidance for capacity assessments do not take into account issues of emotionality. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice suggests that healthcare professionals and carers may undertake assessments of decision-making capacity, yet the guidance it provides for their doing so overlooks salient issues. Many of those involved in the daily lives of those, who may lack decision-making capacity such as the learning disabled, demented, mentally ill and neurodiverse, must decide whether to respect their decisions as competent, or to disregard the decisions on the grounds of incompetence and to act in the person's best interests. Many will lack training in their clinical and legal responsibilities and liabilities. It is therefore vital that they are protected by an increased knowledge of mental capacity legislation and practice.
Quality outcomes in group home dementia care for adults with intellectual disabilities
- Author:
- JANICKI M.P.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(8), August 2011, pp.763-776.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
As more individuals with intellectual disabilities are surviving to an older age, the number who present with cognitive decline and are diagnosed with dementia can be expected to grow. As new needs become apparent residential support agencies may need to adapt their current methods of care to meet different applicable standards. This is particularly true for small group homes. Relevant policy and practice organisational guidelines and the applied research literature addressing components of care and service provision were reviewed with the aim of identifying quality care factors. The intention being to propose components of quality outcomes for specialist dementia care that are universally applicable and could serve as a framework for adapting existing residential environments and make them ‘dementia-capable’. It is concluded that efforts to evaluate dementia-related care provision with respect to quality need to consider quality of care provision components such as: clinically relevant early and periodic assessment; functional modifications in the living setting; constructive staff education and functionality for stage-adapted care; and flexible long-term services provision that recognises and plans for progression of decline and loss of function.
The needs of people with learning disabilities who develop dementia: a literature review
- Author:
- LLEWELLYN Penny
- Journal article citation:
- Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and Practice, 10(2), May 2011, pp.235-247.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The longevity of people with learning disabilities is rising, and they are increasingly developing age related conditions including dementia. When this occurs, their medical and social needs pose many challenges for services. A literature review was undertaken of articles published between 1996 and 2006. Data were collected relating to the needs of people with learning disabilities and dementia, their carers and their peers. Findings revealed that the primary medical need was for timely and accurate diagnosis. There were a multitude of diagnostic tools, and advice was available as to which are most suitable for different client groups. The needs of carers are intertwined with those of people with learning disabilities and dementia and meeting their needs for education, training and increased staff numbers, has proved beneficial. Although multiple services were responsible for the needs of this client group, there was an agreement that learning disability services should be central to social care service provision.
The role and timing of palliative care in supporting persons with intellectual disability and advanced dementia
- Authors:
- McCARRON Mary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(3), May 2011, pp.189-198.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia and the onset of the disease is also earlier. This study aimed to better understand the role and timing of palliative care interventions in supporting persons with intellectual disabilities and advanced dementia. A total of 13 focus groups were held involving 57 staff from 6 intellectual disability services and 1 specialist palliative care provider in Ireland. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken to analysis. Seven inter-related influences on the role and timing of palliative care emerged: dignity, comfort and quality in care; when should palliative care begin; pain and symptom management; collaboration and accessing specialist support; the challenges of hospital placement; co-ordinating care; and supporting the person through death. The specialist palliative care staff recognised that person-centred care delivered in intellectual disability services was consistent with palliative approaches, but staff in intellectual disability services did not consider advanced dementia care as ‘palliative care’. Both groups were unsure about the role of palliative care at early stage of dementia but appreciated specialist palliative care contributions in addressing pain and symptom management challenges.
Should we refer for a dementia assessment? A checklist to help know when to be concerned about dementia in adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- WHITWHAM Sarah, MCBRIEN Judith, BROOM Wendy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(1), March 2011, pp.17-21.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The genetic risk in the Down syndrome population for the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease is well known. This research developed a screening checklist to help carers and professionals know when to make a referral for a dementia assessment. A checklist was completed for all new referrals to a dementia service for people with intellectual disabilities. The obtained scores were compared to the diagnostic outcome of a comprehensive dementia assessment. Participants included 159 individuals with learning disability, of which 146 had Downs. After 12 months of collecting data, 39 had a diagnosis of dementia. Findings indicated that a higher score on the checklist correlates significantly with a subsequent diagnosis of dementia. Overall, the checklist appeared to be a useful tool to prompt referrals for a full dementia assessment. The authors concluded that, by helping the referrer to identify dementia, it may reduce the number of late or non-referrals.
Person centred approaches when supporting people with a learning disability
- Author:
- TILLY Liz
- Publisher:
- Learning Matters; British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 123p.
- Place of publication:
- Exeter
This book is aimed at practitioners starting to work with people with a learning disability who are undertaking induction training (Common Induction Standards) or studying for the Level 2 or 3 Diplomas in Health and Social Care. It focuses on the requirements of the unit covering person centred approaches. The author explains person centred values, how they must influence all aspects of care work and shows how to support active participation and choice. The text is clearly set out with each chapter covering one of the learning outcomes within the unit. The book puts the person with a learning disability at the centre of the support provided. It uses real life stories, activities and thinking points to cover all of the learning outcomes and includes practical examples of how to apply the ideas in practice. The chapters cover: understanding person centred approaches when supporting people with a learning disability; implementing person centred approaches when supporting people with a learning disability; establishing consent when providing support; encouraging active participation; supporting a person's right to make choices; promoting a person's wellbeing; the role of risk assessment in enabling a person centred approach; and recognising possible signs of dementia.
Reminiscence and life story work: a practice guide
- Author:
- GIBSON Faith
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 304p.
- Place of publication:
- London
- Edition:
- 4th ed.
Reminiscence is a valuable tool for both the professional carer and those who are looking after a family member or friend. It enhances and enriches the care relationship, benefiting the person being cared for and the carer. The fully-updated fourth edition of this book offers practical information on planning and running successful reminiscence work. It is designed to help carers and health and social care practitioners to develop the attitude, knowledge and skills needed to use reminiscence with people of all ages, individually or in groups, and in residential or community settings. Topics covered include; reminiscing with couples and groups, inter-generational reminiscence, social inclusion through reminiscence, and working with people with sensory and learning disabilities, dementia, depression and terminal illnesses.