Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Commentary on “The experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities: ‘I just carry on with it’”
- Author:
- SUNMAN Jan
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 26(1), 2021, pp.58-62.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article by Rachel Forrester-Jones on the experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The commentary reflects on the themes identified in the original article, comparing its findings to the lived experiences of those taking part in older carers’ projects in Oxfordshire, England. Findings: Similar broad themes were identified in both samples. Given these findings, the extent to which matters have changed, since the Valuing People work on older carers is considered. Originality/value: The paper discusses policy and practice implications to improve the quality of life of older carers and their families and explores how the voice of older carers can be strengthened to enable them to shape practice and policy. (Edited publisher abstract)
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.
Bridging the gap in care provision
- Author:
- DARWENT Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 118, September 2010, pp.22-23.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
There are an estimated 25,000 older people with a learning disability living in England, and this number is rising due to improved care and medical advancements. This article notes that the particular needs of older people with a learning disability are not usually met by standard homes for older people. It describes the work of the Fynvola Foundation and its Lady Dane Farmhouse, a residential home in Faversham dedicated to caring for older people with a learning disability.
Service use and cost of mental disorder in older adults with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- STRYDOM Andre, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 196(2), February 2010, pp.133-138.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
The cost of caring for people with intellectual disability, which is already high, may rise as more people with intellectual disability live to old age. In addition the rates of mental illness and dementia are thought to be higher in this group than in the general population. This study reports service use patterns and costs for people (n=212) with intellectual disability (excluding Down syndrome) over 60 years of age living in London. It covered costs of accommodation, health and personal care, physical as well as mental illness, dementia, sensory impairment and disability and aimed to explore the influence of sociodemographic and illness-related determinants. The average weekly cost per older person was £790 (£41080 per year); accommodation accounted for 74%. Overall costs were highest for those living in congregate settings, such as nursing or residential homes. Gender, intellectual disability severity, hearing impairment, physical disorder and mental illness had significant independent relationships with costs. Mental health problems were associated with an additional weekly cost of £202. The authors note that older adults with intellectual disability comprise 0.15–0.25% of the population of England but consume up to 5% of the total personal care budget. They suggest interventions that meet needs and might prove to be cost-effective should be sought.
Self-styled success
- Authors:
- HENWOOD Melanie, DAVIS Rowenna
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 24.04.08, 2008, pp.16-18.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Putting People First made clear that self-directed support is to become mainstream In this article, the first author describes what self-directed care entails. The second author then describes the work of four teams given awards for innovative and impressive practice in Community Care's Excellence programme.
Personal social services local authority statistics: A.T.Cs for mentally handicapped people and day centres for mentally ill handicapped elderly... at 31/3/89. England
- Author:
- GREAT BRITAIN. Department of Health
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 1990
- Pagination:
- n.p., tables.
- Place of publication:
- London
Going for GOLD! Growing Older with Learning Disabilities: briefing
- Author:
- AMBITION FOR AGEING
- Publisher:
- Ambition for Ageing
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 4
- Place of publication:
- Manchester
This briefing is a summary of the findings of the Greater Manchester Growing Older with Learning Disabilities (GM GOLD). The project aimed to find out what older people with learning disabilities think about their local area, whether they feel part of their local community, what barriers exist to meaningful social contacts, interactions and activities, and their perspectives on growing older. It was an inclusive research project carried out by a team of 16 older people with learning disabilities (co-researchers) supported by ‘research buddies’. The team conducted interviews and focus groups with 59 older people with learning disabilities from eight Greater Manchester boroughs. Key learning set out in this briefing include: there is a need to promote ageing well for people with learning disabilities so they can understand what it is to age positively; people with learning disabilities need support throughout their lives to live healthy lifestyles to remain healthy longer; older people with learning disabilities need to be better supported to deal with the transition that often takes place when their parents die; important influences on what makes an area a good place for older people with learning disabilities to live are local amenities, the environment, transport links, local people and whether people feel safe where they live. (Edited publisher abstract)
Going for GOLD! Greater Manchester Growing Older with Learning Disabilities: an inclusive research project to reduce social isolation amongst older adults with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- CHAPMAN Melanie, et al
- Publisher:
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 56
- Place of publication:
- Manchester
This research was part of the Greater Manchester Growing Older with Learning Disabilities (GM GOLD) project, which aimed to reduce social isolation amongst older adults (aged 50+) with learning disabilities and to find out what makes somewhere an age-friendly place to live for older adults with learning disabilities. The research team of older people with learning disabilities was supported by ‘research buddies’ from Manchester Metropolitan University and the partner organisations to conduct interviews and focus groups with 59 older people (aged 50-79 years) with learning disabilities from eight Greater Manchester areas. The research shows that later life transitions for people with learning disabilities are particularly disruptive, and that they are at particular risk of social isolation and loneliness, and therefore, the potential impacts on independence and wellbeing are significant. Experiences of discrimination, segregation and low economic status may make people with learning disabilities more vulnerable to the negative impacts of growing older through the potential long-term impact on self-esteem and confidence. In addition, people with learning disabilities experience more health inequalities than the rest of the population and as a result need accessible and inclusive support throughout their lives to live healthy lifestyles to remain healthy longer. The report argues that if society, neighbourhoods and communities do not become more inclusive of people with learning disabilities, in addition to the legal, moral and ethical implications, this is likely to result in additional demand for public services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Current policy and legislation in England regarding older people: what this means for older people with learning disabilities: a discussion paper
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, UEKI Madeline Cooper
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 2015, pp.254-260.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: This paper seeks to explore the opportunities and challenges generated by current policy, guidance and legislation in England relating to older people, in terms of the practical implications for older people with learning disabilities. Methods: Using the broad themes housing, employment, social inclusion and isolation, care and support, and promoting better health and well-being, this paper discusses potential practical opportunities and concerns for older people with learning disabilities arising from policy and legislation such as current initiatives regarding integration, personalisation and the dementia policy. Consideration is given to the implications of changing policy and practice for both current and future generations of people with a learning disability as they reach older age. Conclusions: This discussion paper concludes that whilst there is potential for older people with a learning disability to benefit from policy and practice aimed at improving the lives of older people generally, the tendency for policy to be targeted at specific groups without adequately considering the diversity of those groups often leaves those with a learning disability at the margins of being able to make the most of changes. (Publisher abstract)
Keeping wartime memory alive: an oral history project about the wartime memories of people with learning difficulties in Cumbria
- Authors:
- DIAS John, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 27(1), 2012, pp.31-49.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
In this article, the authors discuss an oral history project funded by the Heritage Lottery that recorded the memories of eight people with learning difficulties during the Second World War in Cumbria, UK, before their personal histories were lost forever. The process of emancipatory research is examined in relation to the main project findings. Some difficult issues were experienced by the team, such as the ill-health and death of participants, negotiating access with gatekeepers and concerns around decision-making. Cumbria experienced limited war activity, but people’s lives changed in subtle ways. This led to discussion around false/given memories; formal/informal interview processes and transcription/recording issues. The unexpected revelation of the study was the knowledge created around approaches to inclusion.